The Roosters Pewter Player

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick was “a cut above” as this week’s Roosters Pewter Player in Tampa Bay’s 48-40 upset at New Orleans in Week 1. The 35-year old quarterback, who is filling in as the team’s starter for the first three weeks in place of the suspended Jameis Winston, threw for a career-high 417 yards passing as he completed 21-of-28 passes (75 percent) for four touchdowns and no interceptions. Fitzpatrick, who has been dubbed “Fitzmagic,” also rushed for 36 yards on 12 carries, including a 3-yard touchdown run in the victory, which gets Tampa Bay off to a 1-0 start to the season – and in the NFC South division.

For his efforts, Fitzpatrick earns a free men’s haircut at Roosters Men’s Grooming Center located in Hyde Park in South Tampa. Don’t worry. They won’t shave his beard.

Roosters Men’s Grooming Center sponsors the Pewter Player each week, and is located at 533 South Howard Avenue in South Tampa. Roosters is an upscale, full-service barber shop with haircuts, razor shaves and the best men’s hair care products available. Call (813) 253-3200 or visit RoostersMGC.com to schedule your appointment today. Roosters Men’s Grooming Center is the perfect destination for groomsman parties or corporate events.

Other Most Impressive Bucs

WR Mike Evans
After being held largely ineffective the last time the Bucs played in New Orleans, Evans more than made up for a disappointing performance and anger issue that resulted in a one-game suspension. Evans dominated on a day when the Bucs offense put up over 500 total yards. Evans led the Bucs with seven receptions for 147 yards and a score.

WR DeSean Jackson
The demise of Jackson has been greatly exaggerated. The speedster showed what he is still capable of early and often, snaring a touchdown from Ryan Fitzpatrick to answer the Saints first score of the game and added another score in the second half. He also had a clutch third down catch later in the game that he was injured on. There has been no injury update on what appears to be a concussion. Jackson finished the afternoon with five catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

Bucs Offensive Line
They weren’t perfect, but the offensive linemen were a huge factor in the Bucs win over the Saints. Particularly in pass protection where they did not allow a sack and helped to generate 417 yards through the air and 112 yards on the ground. That will keep a big smile on Dirk Koetter and Todd Monken’s faces all week.

FS Justin Evans
While it wasn’t the defense’s day, Evans made a huge, decisive play in the game, returning a fumble recovery 34 yards for a touchdown in the second half to help put Tampa Bay up 34-17 right before halftime. Evans was good in coverage and had a key tackle on one third down to force a punt in the second half, in addition to five tackles. Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith Evans had “Pro Bowl capability” earlier in the week and Evans showed everyone that praise was warranted.

OC Todd Monken
He did it at Oklahoma State, and did it at Southern Miss. Todd Monken is a natural play-caller and hats off to Koetter for swallowing his pride and realizing the fact that Monken is more than capable. Make no mistake, Koetter’s fingerprints were all over this offense and the plays called on Sunday – as they should be. It is his team, his offense and ultimately his job on the line. The Bucs were aggressive and motivated to shock the league on Sunday and they did just that.

WR Chris Godwin
On a number of teams Godwin is a No. 1 receiver. And maybe a Pro Bowler in his second year. He is that good. The only thing going against Godwin being a breakout star in the NFL is Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, O.J. Howard and so on. But his time will come soon enough. There will be games down the road where teams will take Evans out of the game and the Bucs will need Godwin to step up even more. After a three-reception, 41-yard and one-touchdown day, you can see why this staff speaks so highly of the former Penn State standout.

Honorable Mentions: WLB Lavonte David (9 tackles), MLB Kwon Alexander (9 tackles, FF), TE O.J. Howard (2 catches, 54 yards), RB Peyton Barber (69 yards rushing), DE Vinny Curry (1 sack).