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Patriots arrive in London, hit the practice pitch

The Associated Press

Patriots coach Belichick puts his team through its first practice at London's Brit Oval. He continues to talk up the Bucs' defense, return game and "mobile quarterback" Josh Johnson.

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By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 23, 2009

Updated: 10/23/2009 10:46 am

LONDON - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick continues to sing praises about the 0-6 Buccaneers.

Belichick spoke today before running his team through its workout at the Brit Oval, which is the Fenway Park of cricket stadiums. The Patriots' plane from Boston arrived here early this morning.

"They're an explosive football team,'' Belichick said of Tampa Bay. "They get a lot of turnovers on defense, they have an explosive return game, they have a very mobile quarterback, a good offensive line and a lot of good receivers.''

Belichick isn't all that far off base. The Bucs have been producing a good number of takeaways lately, their offensive line is still considered to be their strongpoint and quarterback Josh Johnson is very mobile.

Johnson is also very inexperienced. He'll be making only his fourth NFL start Sunday when the Bucs face the Patriots at Wembley Stadium, and the Patriots know they have to put the game in his hands to win it.

"We have to shut down their running game and make them one dimensional,'' Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork said. "But [stopping the run] is something we've kind of struggled with this year.''

The Patriots (4-2) haven't struggled as much as the Bucs have. The Bucs are allowing opposing runners to gain 4.9 yards per carry and a ridiculous 171.7 yards per game. New England is allowing 4.7 yards per carry and 112 yards per game.

"We have to do a better job of shutting down the run, especially against these guys [the Bucs] because they have great backs. They have four very good backs that can hurt you.

"So we have to do a good job up front. We have to stop their running game and make them throw the ball. If we can do that we can be successful. If not, it could be a long day for us.''

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