European Vacation

One week after dominating the winless Titans, 59-0, in a New England snowstorm, the Patriots flew across the pond to demolish the winless Buccaneers, 35-7, during what turned out to be a holiday in merry old England.

"We came over here on a Thursday. We took the late flight on Thursday, got here Friday morning, had a couple of days to adjust," explained New England quarterback Tom Brady, who made news by wearing a tailored gray suit on the flight, while the rest of the Pats wore navy team sweat-suits.

"We all went out to dinner on Friday night, which you don't get a chance to do too often, spending 10 meals together and all sitting on the plane together. We had a great flight over. I think just that experience for all of us, and getting to know each other, will serve us well down the road."

In the third NFL game at London's famed soccer pitch of Wembley Stadium -- following a thrilling 37-32 Saints win over the Chargers last year and a sloppy 13-10 Giants victory against the Dolphins in 2007 -- the Patriots put on an American football clinic, jumping out to a 21-0 lead before winning by a 28-point margin.

Safety Brandon Meriweather put New England on the board with a first-quarter interception returned for a touchdown. The 39-yard pick-six was the first of two INTs and 70 return yards for the 25-year-old Miami product. But the best statistical game of Meriweather's three-year career may not have been the highlight of his first trip to London.

"My favorite part, besides the win, was going to see (Buckingham) Palace and Big Ben," said Meriweather. "Actually, I take that back. We went to a haunted house that was over by Big Ben. And just to see some of my teammates act like little kids, happened to be probably the best part of my weekend."

Along with the camaraderie and vacation vibe, three-time Super Bowl winner Brady enjoyed the big game atmosphere from over 84,000 rabid fans who treated the only NFL game in London this year as if it were Super Sunday.

"Hopefully they enjoyed it," said Brady, who completed 23-of-32 passes for 308 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in victory.

"All the flashbulbs were going out there before kickoff and everybody seemed excited. That went on for about 10 minutes, which you don't see in the States too often. They seemed excited."

The overmatched Buccaneers lost their 11th consecutive game and fell to 0-7 for the first time since 1985. Meanwhile the Patriots won their 17th straight against an NFC opponent.

A unique game experience started with a rendition of "God Save the Queen" sung by Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins and "The Star-Spangled Banner" performed by American pop star Toni Braxton, before ending with a seven-hour celebration on the return flight home from England to New England.

"It was a fun experience for all of us. I think we all took something different out of it. You don't get this opportunity too often, and I think all the guys really enjoyed it," said Brady. "It probably will never happen again for us, so we'll retire 1-0 internationally."