Freeman Must Ignore Media, Stats

March 1st, 2013

Bucs captain Davin Joseph doesn’t want stats and media to distract and affect Josh Freeman

Channeling two major directives to players during the Raheem Morris administration — ignore media takes and “stats are for losers” — Davin Joseph spoke out yesterday and declared that Josh Freeman is a quarterback that has steadily improved and must only focus on that.

“I really think he’s improving in the right way,” Joseph said of Freeman on WDAE-AM 620. “He’s had some tough stints throughout his career where things [didn’t go] very bright for him. I think he’s really gone about improving one step at a time. For me, I know that Josh is getting better. And that’s the most important thing, as long as he’s getting better and not letting the media or, you know, stats and things of that sort get to him and affect his play, and continue to be a motivating factor for him, I think he’ll be just fine.”

Joe finds it intriguing that Joseph brought up stats and media as a potential distraction to Freeman. Are they? That would not be a good sign. Joe would feel more comfortable if Joseph had referenced all the Bucs’ losing not getting to Freeman, rather than numbers and media.

Joseph also went on to say the Bucs must improve around Freeman, noting Joe Flacco and Colin Kaepernick were not the best quarterbacks in the NFL but reached the Super Bowl.

Joseph also dove into takes on the New Schiano Order and how it transformed the team. “Really, what we lost [under Raheem Morris] at One Buccaneer Place was that hard-work ethic.”

Catch the entire interview below.

29 Responses to “Freeman Must Ignore Media, Stats”

  1. @MikeInTampa2 Says:

    Freeman would be the #1 OverAll Pick in this year’s Draft. Everyone needs to calm down

  2. Keith Says:

    Thanks for the meaningless commentary.

  3. stevek Says:

    “Don’t worry about the stats.”

    Really- what about the “wins and losses” statistic. That is the the one to worry about.

    Also, we should be alarmed and worried by the stats. Josh’s stats are basic units of measure to categorize and record game tape.

    Freeman earned every single one of those stats: from a franchise best 27 TDs, to the 10 Fumbles, 17 INTs, and worst of all 5 games losing streak.

    We could also look at a 5 game block of the season, as we sat 6-4, only to watch Freeman, specifically, crumble and lose out 5 of our last 6.

  4. Terraj Says:

    @mike in tampa2

    So would Mark Sanchez lol that doesn’t mean anything

  5. mike Says:

    he might be the #1 pick in this years draft based on potential and tool HOWEVER, he is in the bottom third of NFL qb’s and has a great offense around him. He needs to show improvement or he will be gone

  6. mike Says:

    Jamarcus Russell would also be the #1 pick in this years draft…. should we go out and sign him????

  7. Buc Fan #238 Says:

    I hope Free takes us to the promise land. Why? Because currently, we have no other option.

  8. BigMacAttack Says:

    Wow, Falcons cut Abraham and Dunta. I’d take both of those guys.

  9. Buc Fan #238 Says:

    Adding Michael Turner (800 yds in 2012) and Abraham (10 sacks in 2012) even though they are vets, can really help boost our young team.

  10. @MikeInTampa2 Says:

    Freeman will have a career year…..and ALL OF YOU will be lining-up to gargle his marbles

  11. Terraj Says:

    @mikeintampa

    Sounds like you’ve been gargling his marbles enough for all of us lol

    @buc fan238

    I agree Abraham could bring some solid veteran leadership and strength to our lb core but michael turner is slow and washed up. I want nothing to do with him. Keep our running backs young.

  12. Meh Says:

    That is a damning statement about Morris. Unsurprising though.

  13. Celly Says:

    right, because Freeman is the reason why Nick Foles won the game on a last second drive, and why Eli threw for 511 (with Nicks AND Cruz BOTH going for 10+ catches and almost 200yds a piece), and why RGIII was able to drive his team to a game winning FG.

    Damn you Free, why can’t you play defense, too.

    I’m not saying that I don’t want Free to get better, or that he has even been perfect this year (that would be a farce; we all saw that his play could’ve been better at the end of the year) but it would be ignorant and short sighted of you to not realize that had we even had some average (not even ABOVE average) CBs, we would’ve easily won a few more games.

    Football is a team sport for a reason. It doesn’t matter if your QB puts up 5 TD if the defense allows 6.

  14. stevek Says:

    27 TDs, 17 INTs, 10 Fumbles from Freeman

    Andy Dalton: 27 TDs, 10 INTs, and 5 fumbles.

    Andy Dalton has made it to the playoffs, with the Bengals, two years in a row.

    They have to play the Steelers and Ravens twice a year, that is impressive to say the least.

    Andy Dalton also doesn’t have have Doug Martin running the ball.

    Andy Dalton *consistently* performs, CELLY, it’s not all about the #’s, it also matters as to “how” the numbers are accrued.

    Josh inconsistently acquired his stats. We need a “bottom line” performance, so we know what to EXPECT from the QB position.

    Maybe the D doesn’t give up 6 TDs, if the QB can consistently sustain a drvie.

  15. stevek Says:

    How can fans not be outraged by Freeman’s inconsistencies? He gives us a taste of greatness, followed up with floundering out completely.

    There just isn’t any middle ground with Josh’s output.

    We can’t get to where we want to be, with a QB that can’t consistently come out and perform.

    Consistency is everything from the QB position, your talent and stats are diminished unless you can consistently draw upon them to help your team win.

    Consistency is a key component to a QB.

  16. Jacko101 Says:

    I agree with you @mikeintampa2 our fans are the most flakey fans ever

  17. bucbucbuc Says:

    @stevek

    How can fans not be outraged at our defense? Yes, Freeman can be inconsistent, but he’s still a talented quarterback who has done plenty to win games this season. Can’t blame him if the defense throws it away.
    Freeman can me maddening to watch, but at the end of the day, he has stretches where he can be brilliant. Can’t really say the same for our defense.

    Talk about Andy Dalton all you want, but look at the defense they have there in Cincinnati. 6th overall last season. And he’s got AJ Green, a top 3 WR. Most quarterbacks who you would normally compare directly to Freeman are surrounded with better pieces

  18. stevek Says:

    Jack 101,

    Who you calling flaky, lol?

    Seriously, though, is it time win again, yet?

  19. stevek Says:

    bucbucbuc,

    I am outraged by the Defense, but it is more understanding. Our players on our current defense have 1 combined pro bowl, and our Defense has stunk for years. I am not satisfied with our D, but atleast they are consistent. My expectations for the Defense were met, or exceeded last year. We traded/suspended our CBs, and had the #1 rush D. Also, our D averaged between 22-27 PPG allowed throughout the whole year.

    Our offense got us off to a 6-4 start, averaging nearly 34 PPG during that stretch. Then, we lost 5 straight games, during which the offense generated an average of 17 PPG.

    Basically, it comes down to the fact that we are strongly seeking consistent output from the QB position.

    I am ok with the 2010 Josh, where did that guy go?

  20. stevek Says:

    We can stand to improve on both offense and defense.

    The IMPACT of our improvement is most shouldered on Josh Freeman. QBs have a greater impact on a game than does any other position. If we can get consistent QB play, then everything else can fall in line. It starts and ends with the QB position.

  21. SeanyMac in SC Says:

    I think it safe to say the the Bucs D was far more woeful than Freeman’s inconsistancy. If we only corrected the D, we would have had 2-3 more wins this past season. Lets hope that both weakness get addressed during this offseason.

  22. 4everBucsFan Says:

    It’s not coincidental that after the Bucs had won their fifth game in a row last year that the media (TBT Tom Jones) started the talks about Josh’s future contract. That was a distraction right there at a crucial time. It should not have been brought up until after the season.

  23. Jacko101 Says:

    Yes @stevek it’s time to win it would be cool to link up with some of you at the games this year

  24. BigMacAttack Says:

    A healthy O line should help Josh this season. We still need a RTo Dotson has improve dramatically. I also think Josh will rebound this season, but he has to get his head right.

  25. BucSnob Says:

    Another year under the same system will help Freeman flourish. Another year where Freeman develops the trust of his receivers. And when we go out and get real corners, that will help Freeman in the win/loss column. I see great things coming with Freeman there to lead us. #Teamfreeman

  26. Celly Says:

    27 TDs, 17 INTs, 10 Fumbles from Freeman

    Andy Dalton: 27 TDs, 10 INTs, and 5 fumbles.

    Andy Dalton has made it to the playoffs, with the Bengals, two years in a row.

    They have to play the Steelers and Ravens twice a year, that is impressive to say the least.

    Andy Dalton also doesn’t have have Doug Martin running the ball.

    Andy Dalton *consistently* performs, CELLY, it’s not all about the #’s, it also matters as to “how” the numbers are accrued.

    Josh inconsistently acquired his stats. We need a “bottom line” performance, so we know what to EXPECT from the QB position.

    Maybe the D doesn’t give up 6 TDs, if the QB can consistently sustain a drvie.
    _____________________________________________________________

    I’m assuming you’re going off 2012 stats. unfortunately, either you mis-read or something. from NFL.com

    Andy Dalton: 27td 16 (sixteen) int

    As far as the fumbles are concerned, although it is your job to hold on to the ball, it is FAR MORE IMPORTANT that you do not GIVE UP the ball. If the fumble is recovered by your team, you at least get the chance to fight another play. Not to mention the fact that the fumble is attributed to the QB regardless of if the snap is bad or if the RB doesn’t successfully take the hand-off.

    With that being said, although i was unable to find the information from an accredited site (i.e. nfl.com, bspn.com or joebucsfan.com) http://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/player-stat/fumbles-lost shows us that:

    Andy Dalton: 4 fumbles lost
    Josh Freeman: 2 fumbles lost

    I also believe that Dalton has been in the same offensive system since he was drafted…something that Freeman has NOT had the luxury of having. I have no doubts that Freeman will be much better this year.

  27. Celly Says:

    I am outraged by the Defense, but it is more understanding….
    …..Our offense got us off to a 6-4 start, averaging nearly 34 PPG during that stretch. Then, we lost 5 straight games, during which the offense generated an average of 17 PPG.
    _______________________________________________________________

    so let me get this straight. its ok for the defense to be horrible because the QB is supposed to win the game for them every.single.time.

    again, with the short-sighted memory. if my memory serves me correct, our DEFENSE got us off to a 1-3 start…before the bye week. again, must i remind you about Eli’s near historic day, couples with RGIII’s miraculous comeback at the end of regulation? By my count, we were in position to win the game vs NY, WAS, NO (the first one), ATL and PHI….only to watch the defense give the game away at the end.

  28. Free's a Boob Says:

    Would you please go back and look at the tape. We lost the Philly game because Freeman took snaps with 8 to 10 seconds left on the clock. Play smart even once…which is beyond his limited mental capacity… and we win the game

  29. Tomcin Says:

    I wouldn’t put to much stock in what Joseph says. Remember he said the Bucs needed to resign Trueblood because he was so good. On that note I would like to say that Dotson is not the answer at RT.