FAB 5. SR’s BUC SHOTS
• The first rule of football is don’t beat yourself. That’s exactly what the Bucs were doing during their 1-3 start as Tampa Bay had a league-worst minus-9 turnover margin. Since then, the Bucs have actually been plus-11 since Week 5 and are now plus-2 on the season, which is tied for 14th in the league. Tampa Bay’s 20 takeaways, tied for the third-most in the NFL.

The Bucs defense has also limited opponents to converting only 45-of-134 third downs (33.6 pct.), the third-lowest mark in the league. That has also played a huge role in Tampa Bay’s turnaround.

Bucs LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

• Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David leads Bucs with most consecutive starts with 31, followed by left tackle Donovan Smith and quarterback Jameis Winston with 27 each. Both Smith and Winston have started every game they have played in since entering the league in last year’s draft. Bucs receiver Mike Evans is next with 25 consecutive starts.

• The Bucs have proven to be good finishers this year in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay is 5-0 this year when leading heading into the fourth quarter, and 1-0 when tied. However, the Bucs are 0-5 when trailing in the fourth quarter.

What’s the key to success for Dirk Koetter’s men? Don’t trail heading into the fourth quarter.

Another key to success has yardage. The Bucs are 4-1 when they outgain their opponents in 2016 and 3-0 when they outrush them.

• The rest of the Pewter Watch Parties will take place at Hard Rock Cafe at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and the next one is this Sunday afternoon as Tampa Bay takes on San Diego. It begins at 3:00 p.m. and the Pewter Report staff will be on hand to answer your football questions. All ages are welcome inside the Hard Rock Cafe! RSVP HERE!

Hard Rock Cafe’s signature Ol’ Bay Burger

Hard Rock Cafe, which is located at 5223 Orient Road in Tampa, will have food and drink specials and you can watch the Tampa Bay vs. Carolina game on their giant 18-foot TV screen. Two Henrys Gilded Age Lager and Two Henrys Belleview Biltmore Vanilla Blueberry Wheat beer will be on sale for $4, along with Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Goose Island IPA, Blue Moon and Yuengling.

Hard Rock Cafe is featuring the Pewter Report Special, which is its famous, original Ol’ Bay Burger and fries, and a pair of Two Henrys pints for just $20.

The signature Ol’ Bay Burger is a house-made 8 oz. burger seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, a crab cake made with jumbo lump crab meat, jack cheese, freshly sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a house made “Davy Jones” sauce served on a fresh bun.

Hard Rock Cafe will also have $5 chilled shots of Jagermiester, Fireball, Tito’s Vodka and Cuervo Gold, in addition to $6 Rocketizers, including Popcorn Chicken Bites, Bang-A-Gong Shrimp, Loaded Fries and $1 Wings ($1 per wing). Or you can get Hard Rock Cafe’s PewterReport.com Special, which is a special Ol’ Bay Burger made with crab meat and hamburger and two Two Henrys beers for only $20.

The Rockin’ Game Day Specials will be specially priced f from 3:00 p.m. until the conclusion of each game.

• The difference between beating Seattle in 2015 and narrowly beating the Seahawks in 2013? Not just more talent than Greg Schiano’s former team, the Bucs also believe in themselves thanks to head coach Dirk Koetter.

“When I was here in 2013 we got up on the 21-0 in their place, but we didn’t know that we could play with those guys,” Bucs wide receiver Russell Shepard said. “We are a young, talented team and our head coach has done an amazing job of preaching to us each week and all year that we’re a good football team. The things that occur throughout a football season – a win, a loss, a bad play – don’t let that get in the way of becoming a good team.”

• A big thank you to PewterReport.com advertising partner Brocato’s Sandwich Shop for catering a pre-Thanksgiving meal for the local media that covers the Buccaneers. Owner Mike Brocato was generous enough to offer up the best deviled crabs, stuffed potato balls, Cuban sandwiches, Mojo pork and chicken, and black beans and yellow rice for the media. It was a tremendous spread and we were grateful for his complimentary meal.

It was our pleasure to have Brocato, who is a huge Bucs fan, join us in PewterReport.com’s luxury suite last Sunday to watch Tampa Bay upset Seattle, 14-5. If you are looking for a scrumptious breakfast or lunch, stop by Brocato’s, which is Tampa landmark, for one of the best meals you’ll have. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop is located at 5021 E. Columbus Drive in Tampa, and you can find them on the web at BrocatosSandwich.com.