Wide Right: Barth celebrates the good times

We can act like New Orleans is famous for many things, but truth be told, the city is better known for partying on Bourbon Street than the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Bucs kicker Connor Barth had plenty of reasons to celebrate last week after tying an NFL record by making three field goals of 50 yards or more against Miami. The party stopped when Miami kicked a late field goal to defeat Tampa Bay, 25-23.

In honor of the city that made the Hurricane and Tom Collins drinks popular, I spoke with Barth during preparations for Tampa Bay's game against New Orleans about celebrations and parties for this week's Wide Right column.

Anwar: How much did you celebrate after making those field goals last week?

Connor: To be honest with you, during the season I try to stay pretty focused. I flew back (to Tampa). I am still new to the area and don't know a lot of the guys on the team yet. What I did was eat at the Tuscan Grille at International Plaza. I had a nice dinner by myself, relaxed, had a couple of drinks and went back to my place. I usually go to Wal-Mart and grab a couple of movies, those cheap $6 movies.

Anwar: So what was the bigger reason to celebrate - the field goals or your teammates finally knowing your name?

Connor: Probably getting a little more respect, not only from my teammates, but around the league. That's my biggest thing. I finally got an opportunity to prove myself, and I praise Coach (Raheem) Morris for giving me the opportunity to even go out and attempt those kicks.

Anwar: Your younger brother, Casey, is the North Carolina kicker. Who has the better celebrations - the Barth brothers or the Gramaticas?

Connor: I would say the Gramatica brothers. They are the most enthusiastic kickers I've seen.

Anwar: You also kicked for North Carolina. Whose game-winning kick was a bigger reason to celebrate - your 42-yarder against No. 4 Miami in 2004 or Casey's 21-yarder against No. 14 Virginia Tech this year?

Connor: I would have to go with mine. We're brothers, and I always give him a hard time, but I expect a kicker to make a 21-yarder every time. A 42-yarder is not in the bag every time. I was just happy to see my brother have a game-winner like that. He had four field goals against Miami last weekend. It was crazy for the Barth brothers in Miami. We're 7-for-7, altogether.

Anwar: Is it hard to celebrate making the team as a kicker?

Connor: From what I've gone through so far, you have to be even-keeled about it. You don't want to get too high, especially after this week. I had a great week and great game, but I've got to look back and say, 'That's just one week.' I've got seven more left, and I still have a lot to prove. The biggest thing with kickers and punters is getting a break, because there are no backups. Either someone has to get hurt, unfortunately, or someone has to underperform to even get a shot. I love being part of this organization. I've never had a head coach talk to me. For Coach Morris to see me in the hallway and say hi every once in a while, it feels good.

Anwar: Better idea for a kids' party - Chuck E. Cheese's or a Castle bouncer?

Connor: Castle bouncers, no questions. They're awesome. If you can get your parents to get you one of those for your birthday, oh gosh. Chuck E. Cheese's? Not so much. I'll still do those bouncer things to this day.

Anwar: So you drive through the city and raid kids' parties when you see bouncers?

Connor: That sounds kind of weird (laughing). I don't raid kids' parties. If I'm invited to a party, I'd get on it. I just watched a movie the other day and they had a bouncy thing for the wedding party.

Anwar: What do you think the celebration will be like if you guys can beat the Saints?

Connor: It would be great. Any time you can beat a division opponent at home, it's great. Whenever a division opponent comes into your place, you always want to win. To come off the loss we had, and come out and play the way we know we can play, and to get a win against a 9-0 team, why not ruin the 9-0 party for them?