TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Vrabel greeted players with a handshake and a statement: “NFC South champs!”

TreVeyon Henderson had touchdown runs of 69 and 55 yards, Drake Maye threw two TD passes, and the New England Patriots beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-23 on Sunday for their seventh straight win.

Vrabel, in his first year coaching the team he won Super Bowls with as a player, has the Patriots (8-2) leading the AFC East after going 4-13 last season. The Patriots completed a four-game sweep of the NFC South with the victory over the Buccaneers, who lead the division they've won the last four years.

“It’s not always perfect but I love the way they compete,” Vrabel said. "It was a long game. It’s a tough place to play. It was a warm day and they’re good.”

After Maye threw an interception in the

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