FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots are surpassing expectations.

At 7-2, they’re at the top of the AFC East and tied for the best record in the conference with Indianapolis and Denver. Although the team has faced an easier schedule, there are a handful of tough matchups left that will be good litmus tests for Mike Vrabel’s team .

One is this weekend when the Patriots take on the 6-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is a tough road game where the Patriots are considered underdogs. The last time they were underdogs on the road, they upset the Buffalo Bills.

Now, they have a chance to show everyone they’re a capable team that could make a run in the playoffs.

After standing pat at the NFL trade deadline, Vrabel and his staff move on with the roster they assembled this offseason. So far, the results

See Full Page