(Every Thursday leading off the day, we'll explore the New England Patriots' penalty breakdown in comparison with the team's opponent, while adding a few league-wide stats.)
Total penalties: 8
Total accepted penalties: 7 (tied for 2nd-fewest)
Buccaneers' total accepted penalties: 23 (tied for most)
NFL team with fewest accepted penalties: Colts, with 6
NFL team with most accepted penalties: Buccaneers/49ers, with 23
Most frequent Patriots penalty: False start (3)
Key stat: 5 of the Patriots' 8 penalties have been against offensive linemen
Most penalized Patriot: Left tackle Nate Solder (2)
SUMMARY: Sunday's game between the visiting Buccaneers and Patriots pits the NFL's most-penalized team against one of the league's least-penalized teams. Overall, Bill Belichick has to be pleased with the Patriots' limiting penalties, especially on special teams. Jeff Triplette is assigned as referee Sunday.