Patriots Head To London

Over the last few years the NFL has recognized its enormous potential for growth on the international scene. Numerous attempts to globalize the sport worldwide have been in the works since 2005 when the NFL held a game in Mexico City, Mexico. Including this Sunday the NFL has held 5 total regular season games outside the country, three in London, one in Toronto, and one in Mexico City.

This time it's the New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at wet and wild Wembley Stadium in London, England.

The blokes in London are probably hoping for another stellar, pass heavy game like the one last year featuring the Saints and Chargers.

Unfortunately this time around the high flying Patriots are playing the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While some fear the distraction of heading to London, coming off perhaps their most dominating performance in team history, and playing an (0-6) Bucs squad sets this up to be a trap game for the Patriots.......we at Inside Boston Sports feel differently

Check out our keys to the game:

1. Preparation. Similar to last week the key to winning this contest is treating the Bucs like they are 6-0. A strong, focused week of preparation should be enough for the Pats to win this game. The Patriots are still led by a group of core veterans who know what it takes to win in this league, and you can bet they aren't losing momentum heading into the bye week by tripping up against the Bucs.

2. More Maroney. It was reported that both Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor did not make the trip to London. Laurence Maroney is coming off his most impressive outing of the year and you can look for the Pats to get him going early against the Bucs 31st ranked run defense. The Pats can ground and pound the Bucs all day long and when the Bucs bring that 8th or 9th man in the box look for Tom Terrific to let it fly deep to Moss.

3. Contain Josh Johnson. This will be key for the Pats. Since Johnson has replaced Byron Leftwich as the Bucs starter, the anemic Bucs offense has found some life. Johnson has totaled 141 running yards this season and if he escapes the pocket he is capable of throwing on the run. The Pats need to be especially weary of Johnson's running ability on 3rd down. The Bucs have a solid offensive line but can be made one-dimensional by stopping their run.

Coach Belichick has the team prepared this week and after winning, the number one goal this week is to stay healthy heading into the bye week.

Friday's injury report:

Out
WR Julian Edelman (arm)
T Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)

Questionable
CB Darius Butler (ankle)
OL Dan Connolly (knee)
DB Shawn Springs (knee)

Probable
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
S Brandon Meriweather (foot)
WR Randy Moss (shoulder)
S James Sanders (shoulder)

***Check in for the game recap Monday.