Week 5 was one to forget for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After grinding out three wins in their first four games, the Buccaneers were knocked down to size last Sunday by a surging San Francisco 49ers squad. The 48-3 loss was the worst in the young Raheem Morris era, and no doubt the head coach will be in his team's ear all week as they try to correct the myriad mistakes that plagued them in Week 5.
The Bucs face a tough test though in Week 6. The New Orleans Saints are coming to town and first place atop the NFC South standings is at stake. Here's a few facts and figures for each team courtesy of the incredible communications arm of the National Football League.
BUCCANEERS:
- QB Josh Freeman aims for 3rd division win in row. Completed 21 of 26 (80.8 pct.) for 255 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 133.2 rating in last game vs. NO. In career, when he starts & has 100+ rating, Bucs are 7-1.
- In past 6 home games with 15+ att., RB LeGarrettte Blount has rushed for 676 yards (122.7 per game) & 4 TDs. Bucs have won 7 of 8 games when Blount has 18+ att.
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WR Mike Williams had TD in last meeting. Has 5 TDs in past 8.
- WR Preston Parker leads team with 236 rec. yards.
- TE Kellen Winslow has catch in 81 games in row.
- CB Ronde Barber has started 188 consecutive games, most by CB in NFL history. Only player in NFL annals with 25+ sacks (26) & 40+ INTs (41). Has recorded career-high 3 INTs in game 2 times, both vs. NO.
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DE Adrian Clayborn & LB Mason Foster tie for 2nd among NFC rookies with 2 sacks.
- TB leads NFL holding foes to 18.2 avg. drive start on KOs.
SAINTS:
- In past 2 at TB, QB Drew Brees is 2-0 & has completed 40 of 61 (65.6 pct.) for 450 yards with 6 TDs vs. 1 INT for 113.4 rating. Is 9-3 (.750) in past 12 starts vs. division. Has 20+ completions in NFL-record 25 consecutive games.
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RB-PR-KR Darren Sproles is only player in NFL with rush, rec. & ret. TD. Ties for NFL lead with 13 catches on 3rd down.
- RB Mark Ingram leads NFL rookies with 216 rush yards.
- RB Pierre Thomas has 9 TDs (5 rush, 4 rec.) in past 10 division contests.
- TE Jimmy Graham had 8 catches for 129 yards last week & is 1st Saints TE with 100+ rec. yards in 3 consecutive games. Leads NFL TEs with 32 catches & 496 yards. Has 7 TDs in past 8.
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WR Marques Colston aims for 5th in row vs. TB with 5+ catches.
- WR Deverey Henderson has 5 rec. TDs vs. TB & averages 50 yards per TD catch.
- WR Robert Meachem has 20 career rec. TDs & 13 have gone for 25+ yards. Has 4 TDs in past 4 vs. TB.
- WR Lance Moore has TD in 2 of past 3 meetings.
- Since entering NFL in 2006, S Roman Harper has 13 sacks, most by DB. Had 2 FFs in last game at TB.
- DE Will Smith has sack in 3 of past 4 vs. TB...