Greg Schiano has said that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must learn to make stronger starts to their games.

The NFC South side's starting quarterback Josh Freeman was sacked three times in the first quarter last night against the New England Patriots, who scored a touchdown during the same period.

The head coach told reporters: "Yeah, I mean we didn't protect the passer very well, three sacks in two series. It's going to be hard to overcome that. So, overall, you know we didn't come out playing very well to start the game.

"I thought they, the guys, continued to fight. We missed a few things as well. Again we haven't spent a ton of time game planning or practising, particular to them. We just kind of went out and practised against them. We got to play better than we did in the first quarter, that's for sure.

"Next week [Freeman] will play more and then we'll get a better picture. I think he has practised well, with the exception of only a few days. I think he has really practised well. But, we'll see, it's coming."

The Buccaneers face the Miami Dolphins next week.