The Bucs have never lost consecutive games under coach Jon Gruden, following each of their seven losses with a victory. This season, they have not won consecutive games, either.
Will they make it two in a row today against New Orleans?
Last week, the Bucs got their first home victory of the season, 16-0 against the Cowboys. Today, there is plenty of incentive against the Saints, NFC south rivals who beat the Super Bowl champions twice last season.
"There are a lot of factors to why this is a big game for us," tackle Roman Oben said.
"There's last year, it's a conference game and we want to win two in a row."
SACK MASTERS
With a sack today, the Bucs can tie the NFL record of 68 consecutive games with at least one, set by the Dallas Cowboys from 1976-80. The next longest active streak is 22, by the New York Giants.
BY THE NUMBERS
8 - Saints turnover margin.
5 - Saints interceptions.
10 - Saints fumbles.
48 - Consecutive games with a takeaway by the Bucs defense.
SMALL WORLD
Saints coach Jim Haslett played for Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin from 1984-85 when Kiffin was the linebackers coach for the Buffalo Bills. In 1985, Haslett recorded a career-high 170 tackles.
OFF LIMITS
No self-respecting Bucs fan would be caught dead eating crawfish today. The tasty crustacean is a delicacy in N'Awlins, where they serve 'em with the heads on. In fact, that's two good reasons to abstain.
THE LAST WORD
"Revenge is never a factor."
- Bucs quarterback Brad Johnson, on having lost twice to the Saints last season.
