Bucs “Could Have Done More” For Freeman
June 6th, 2013
Have the Bucs done every last thing possible to win a Super Bowl this coming season?
No, they haven’t. Joe’s not being negative. The Bucs just didn’t approach this offseason with an all-in mentality. They’re sitting on a pile of salary cap cash (about $18 million). That’s not what teams do when they’re going for broke.
Now it doesn’t always make sense to go for the ring, especially if you believe your team isn’t ready, and in this era of rolling over unused cash to the following season’s payroll. Joe suspects that in the bowels of One Buc Palace, Team Glazer, rockstar general manager Mark Dominik and Greg Schiano have talked about how 2014 is their year — following a winning season in 2013.
Pat Yasinskas and Matt Williamson, of ESPN, looked at the Bucs’ offseason and decided they could have done more.
Williamson was also critical of the Bucs for not doing more on the offensive side of the ball. I see his point. The Bucs have plenty of salary-cap room and they could have done more to surround quarterback Josh Freeman with talent.
Joe can’t buy the take that Freeman needs more talent. The guy just needs to play smarter and protect the football. He’s got a manbeast offensive line and Pro Bowl weapons. He doesn’t need more to win a Super Bowl.
If Joe were playing GM trying to win a Super Bowl now, Joe would have invested more on defense. This Bucs team would be scarier with another stud cornerback and a proven pass rusher.
June 6th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Its obvious that we are building a team that can sustain for some time. Going all in now would have been a dumb decision. That 18 mil will be needed to keep the talent we have now for the coming seasons.
Have we done everything possible for Free? No but we have done more for him then a lot of QB’s get from their Front office. No excuses.
June 6th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I should clarify that I meant he has no excuses this season. He needs to perform up to par. He doesn’t have every weapon but he has enough.
June 6th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
Some people go to great lengths to make excuses for Freeman.
June 6th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
I agree with Joe with the proven pass rusher, not so sure about “another stud CB”. Who was out there that we could of had that would of been an upgrade? Only person that comes to my mind is Grimes but that would of been insane to get yet another player coming off another critical injury.
Offensively, a slot corner would of been nice such as Jennings or a RB like Reggie Bush. But thats about it. Im actually glad they didnt go crazy in Free Agency. I believe Dom has a plan for this team. Spending every penny isnt part of it. Realistically speaking this team isnt going to the super bowl this year. How about we just settle for making the playoffs finally and worry about the super bowl once we get there.
June 6th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
There were other good corners. If we had one, then we wouldn’t have to rely on Wright or the rookie.
June 6th, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Couch Fan says,
“Realistically speaking this team isnt going to the super bowl this year. How about we just settle for making the playoffs finally and worry about the super bowl once we get there.”
^^ Our SB chances are 1 in 32. No more settling for mediocrity, but I do share your same thought, “making the playoffs finally”is my bar.
Freeman has enough in place to take us to the playoffs. He won 10 games with less in 2010. Time to see if Lil’ Joshy’s nut’s dropped, and he is ready to lead this team! CAN’T WAIT!
June 6th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
lightningbuc
we get it, why do some people go to great lengths to pound the same drumbeat. Learn another song, that ones getting really old.
June 6th, 2013 at 4:42 pm
No, we do not need to go all in right now, much less invest any more on offense. We have basically the same offense, which many quoted as being up there as one of the best in franchise history. Why break the bank after a losing season with a QB you arent 100% confident in in the first place? Nah, hold the cash. We have thr pieces, now we see who steps up.
June 6th, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Freeman has a clean slate for 2013.
If he leads us to the playoffs, signem up!
If we fail to miss the playoffs, then it is time to use that 10 million in cap space on help for Glennon, and draft another guy.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
It’s hard to agree with what this team is thinking at some spots. Defensive end, comp. at right tackle and tight end come to mind.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
This offense would be virtually complete with a go-to TE or slot receiver for Freeman. And some legitimate competition for that RT position wouldnt hurt.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Its a tough situation for the bucs. We have a very solid team around a qb with so many question marks. If the bucs let him go after this season, we have a ton of cap space but a young, unproven qb. If we sign freeman, were going to be overpaying a guy we all know damn well is never gonna be more than a decent qb. Before you freeman gargglers freak out, even you guys have to admit hes physically blessed but not very intelligent (at least on the football field).
June 6th, 2013 at 5:04 pm
No doubt the Bucs could have spent more but should they? Miami just tried to buy a playoff team. So did Philly a few years back. The Bucs have A LOT of young studs on this team that will be looking for BIG paydays in the near future.
Mike Williams, Josh Freeman, Adrian Clayborn, Da’quan Bowers, Mason Foster, Gerald McCoy, Demar Dotson, Jeremy Zuttah, etc.
If these guys perform at the same level or exceed it then ALL of them will command large paydays in the near future. Mike Williams alone probably adds $5mil/yr to the cap. That drops it down to $13 million in cap space by itself. If Dotson continues to improve, he will be looking at, at least, another $5mil/yr. Zuttah is an average center at worst but his versatility makes him even more valuable. How long do think Doug Martin will play at his current salary if he continues to light it up?
I would much rather forgo the aging pass rusher or mediocre corner now so that we can afford to keep our own players later. Even if it means we aren’t the best team physically possible at the moment. Put the stress on these guys to get it done.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:05 pm
@BILL, its like youre in my head!…..metaphorically!
June 6th, 2013 at 5:07 pm
I actually commented in the section about this. VJ, Williams, Doug Martin and 3 OL that have been to a Pro Bowl.
Josh Freeman needs nothing more. He has more than most QBs.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:09 pm
@Terraj
Freeman has never done anything in his entire career (on or off the field) that would indicate a lack of intelligence. Perceived decision making does NOT translate directly to intelligence or lack thereof. It is a lot easier to see that receiver that is open to the quarterbacks blind side when your watching the game on your HDTV.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Couch, I agree that the chances of the Bucs going to the Superbowl are almost nill, but that doesn’t mean there is zero chance. I’ll never say they cannot do it before the halfway point of a season.
Anything can happen.
That said, I understand your point. Here’s the thing with me though. I remember making it to the playoffs and losing in the first game. I HATED that. If we can’t go further than that, I would rather not get into the playoffs at all and take a higher draft pick.
To me, the teams that lose in the first round are jokes. Now, 2 games in? I would take that in a heartbeat.
All of the above said…if our wins are high and we don’t make the playoffs (say we get 10 wins and don’t make it in) than I can live with that too.
As to Freeman, if he doesn’t make strong progress this year, it will be hard to argue for him remaining the starter. I think he will make that progress though.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Joe, there is one area they could have helped with offense more…oline depth. I really think we need better depth there.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
hahaha nothing huh? Staring down his receivers EVERYTIME, not being able to anticipate a crossing pattern. Off field, how about screwing up your thumb at a gun range? That’s not dumb? I’ve never heard of peyton manning or any other elite qb’s doing anything like that…I didnt mention the fact that hes a drunk.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:25 pm
Ive got a gut feeling that Crabtree is going to emerge on the scene. He’s got that nastiness to his play, something our offense is missing and could really use. We got too many nice guys on offense.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Terraj, elite QBs do get into trouble. Favre did. Big Ben did. Heck, I believe Montana was a drinker (if I remember right).
All QBs stare down WRs when they are learning a new offense. When they fully understand it, that will stop. It also comes with maturity. Whether some wish to acknowledge it or not, his age does play a role. That said this is the year he needs to step up, as does Stafford and Sanchez.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:34 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
Dont know that I agree with that. Meredith and Larsen filled in admirably last season. That’s one quality backup Center/Guard (Larsen) and one quality backup Guard/Tackle (Meredith). Those will be the first to out there in case of an injury this season and I am OKAY with that.
@Terraj
First off, your claim that he is “a drunk” is not well founded at all and has literally never been mentioned by anybody other than yourself so, we will take that for what it is, a lie.
Second, Fitzpatrick had a Wonderlic of 40+, which demonstrates incredible “intelligence” or “knowledge”. The guy is now fighting to make a roster. (Intelligence doesn’t equal talent.) You talk about “staring down receivers” and “anticipating a crossing pattern” almost like you know what routes the receivers should be running or that possibly you, yourself, could better diagnose a defense. Asinine. He messed up his thumb at a gun range? It’s unfortunate but it happens. What is he supposed to do? Not live his life because he might mess up a nail? Get over it. You have probably never even fired a gun and are one of those ignorant people that believe only hillbillys and rednecks own guns.
A person lacking skill at a position doesn’t mean they lack “intelligence”, that is only something an uninformed, ignorant poster like yourself would assume. Freeman has his issues, intelligence is not one of them.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:35 pm
@terraj, he was cramming in a new system, with a new coach, a new set of recievers and a new running back. a 3rd string offensive line……this argument is getting old. Freemans gonna be alright.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
Tony2cents,
Agree about Crabtree, he is just the personality we needed on offense.
Drafting leaders is all good and well, but the freak flag is a necessary component to great team.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:40 pm
WCBF,
“INTELLIGENCE” is not the problem, but can Freeman “read a defense”, “audible”, or “decision making”. Can Freeman do that?
June 6th, 2013 at 5:45 pm
^^A valid argument. ^^
Terraj seems to believe intelligence IS the problem. That is why my post was directed at him. Your questions will be answered this upcoming season. I can’t answer them, only Freeman can.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:47 pm
@stevek, I wouldnt be surprised if he catches 50+, 600+ yds maybe. hell, I’m going to Vegas in a few weeks, I wonder if they take bets on a players stats. Im sure they do. I’ll definitely put a hundred on the Bucs SB long shot.
on a side note, here’s an interesting chart, comparing Freemans stats at this point in his career to Eli’s, Big Ben’s, Elways and more:
http://i.imgur.com/0c56b1x.png
June 6th, 2013 at 5:52 pm
the guy who made that chart brought up a good point:
“Freeman’s last 4 years (2 head coaches, 4 OCs, 5 QB coaches, 3 playbooks, different WR/RB/OL every year, no #1WR until 2012”
June 6th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
^^Nice Chart.^^
According to that chart, Freeman has almost identical stats to Eli Manning. The slight differences being, Eli played one more game, Freeman threw about 1500 more yards, Freeman threw one more TD, Freeman threw one less pick, and Freeman had a 4% better completion percentage. Very interesting.
June 6th, 2013 at 5:55 pm
We saw the good and the bad of Freeman last year. What we need is someone in the middle of those two extremes to show up. A good steady Freeman with no real highs and lows, just steady with around a 60% completion ratio with 25+ TDs and 10 picks for the year and we win a lot of games.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:01 pm
What will they say when the unproven players prove themselves. Another scenario is the Buc’s drafted well again in the positions of need. Killer O and D, maybe playoffs and Superbowl? I’m banking on the Buc’s drafted well and the seasons outcome falls on Freeman’s shoulders.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:02 pm
^^ Preach it Bobby,
Freeman needs to be like GMC. STEP UP BIG TIME!
Really looking forward to our defense this year, first time post Sapp….
June 6th, 2013 at 6:07 pm
Lightningbuc,
Nobody’s making excuses for Freeman; The fact is, in Josh Freeman’s last 4 years he’s had (2 head coaches, 4 OCs, 5 QB coaches, 3 playbooks, different WR/RB/OL every year, no #1WR until 2012)…How can any young QB be expected to be successful or even consistent with this kind of turnover year after year…This is usually a death sentence for most young QB’s Yet Freeman is still a good QB…He’s not Elite by any means but he isn’t Bad either…
You’re just 1 of many (“Freeman Haters) who because of your hate refuse to acknowledge the undeniable truth…which is, this constant turnover has slightly stunted Freeman growth/maturation process as a QB…I understand though, you’re a hater and haters will do what they do best and that’s hate…So as Ric Flair would say, “If you don’t like it, learn to love it” cause Freeman will be here for a looong time son…Have a nice day HaTer…
June 6th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
@Bobby, your post made me think of Trent Dilfer. he was so awful, that we just asked him not to lose the game for us. but Dilf*ck never threw more than 21 TDs in a season.
we should expect an above-average to break-out year for Freeman. barring freak injuries, this is the first time in his career that he’s been setup to suceed.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:11 pm
This Bucs team would be scarier with another stud cornerback and a proven pass rusher…give me a break…this BUCS team will b scarier if either Bree’s, Kapernick, RGIII, Russell Wilson, Brady, or Peyton or Eli were at the helm as QB for the BUCS.Y keep making excuses for Josh… Some folks say that the reason he’s having problems wit the offense is because he’s learning a new system. Com on man…he’s been n the league going on his fifth yr. Russel Wilson, Andrew Luck,RGIII each were rookies n a new system. With the offense Josh played under last yr, my belief is that the aforementioned three would have prospered much better with the same offense.Josh is too inconsistent n predictable. Defenses have learned to read his eyes n know they can bat his passes down or intercept him… N he runs scared. This is a do or die yr for Josh… either step up or step out. Other QBs n the league would love to play wit our offense. No more excuses.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
Cody,
Your whole post was excuse after excuse as to why Freeman isn’t any good.
As Ric Flair says “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!”
June 6th, 2013 at 6:18 pm
@DMatt
Freeman also had a stellar season in his first year as a starter.
All the guys you have mentioned have only done it once. Freeman looked like the next Tom Brady after 2010 so don’t go heralding other one-year-wonders as better just yet.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
^You can add Cam Newton to that list as well.^^
June 6th, 2013 at 6:21 pm
Bobby said:
“A good steady Freeman with no real highs and lows, just steady with around a 60% completion ratio with 25+ TDs and 10 picks for the year and we win a lot of games.”
I think thats what Andy Reid told McNabb every year. Or what Marvin Lewis told Carson Palmer every year. Or what Wade Philips/Jason Garret told Tony Romo every year.
But I read where a young Derrick Brooks was frustrated with Dungy, and asked him if he would ever please Dungy. And Dungy said it wasnt about pleasing him..It was about maximizing his talent…. So f–k mediocrity, the talents there. Freeman just has to maximize his sh!t.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
This is DUMB… Having cap space to spare means we will be able to renew people next year… SPending money just because you have the cap space is STUPID. They’re all in, just not the way Joe defines it… They’re doing it smart…
Spending the extra money this year doesn’t make you “all in”, it makes you “all short-sighted”… Teams that do it that way crash and burn. Sometimes it may push them over a hump, but usually it just means cap problems in future years.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:25 pm
Lol I wont mention any names it’s just funny how someone can start out a post saying “nobody is making excuses for josh” then proceed to list off about 50 excuses. To funny.
@WCBF
Freeman also has only did it once, in 4 years. All those other guys did in there first year and most likely will do it again. We shall see.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:26 pm
West Coast,
“First off, your claim that he is “a drunk” is not well founded at all and has literally never been mentioned by anybody other than yourself ”
Not True! I backed up Terraj on this just a day or two ago. While never making the press, it is well known in South Tampa circles.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
I have heard rumors that Josh is a heavy drinker. I have no proof of it but I’ve heard it more than a few times. Also heard more than a few times that he’s a big A hole. Rumors are just that rumors but if more than 1 person is saying it… it just might be more than a rumor.
Either way I dont base any of my opinion of Freeman on that.
Look, fellas, Joe’s really not into rumormongering. It adds nothing to the discussion. Frankly, it’s pretty darn clear that Freeman takes great care of his body. If he wants to drink in his free time, it’s really a non-issue. The other stuff is just silliness unless you’ve encountered it personally, and that really has no place in an anonymous forum like this. –Joe
June 6th, 2013 at 6:45 pm
@Couch Fan
Seriously? So Freeman has an excellent first year (arguably better than any of the aforementioned QBs) and then goes on to regress but no, not these other guys. Lets give them the benefit of the doubt because . . . ? Because you hate Freeman? Why do these guys have any less of a chance of regressing? Because of your incredible hindsight?
Also, it seems all too convenient that a group of people known to bash Freeman all have “heard rumors” that he is a drunk. I’m sorry but I don’t buy it. I’m not saying it isn’t possible, just that if were this blatantly obvious to a few commenter’s on a blog then it would be more publicized.
June 6th, 2013 at 6:47 pm
I think we will go after jared allen next off season
June 6th, 2013 at 6:47 pm
@Joe
Can you make any sort of comment on this “Free’s a drunk” business. Have you heard anything, even privately, good or bad about this?
June 6th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
“Joe’s really not into rumormongering”
Good God, that’s all the 6 weeks before the Revis trade actually took place was on here.
Big difference between media reports/rumors of a possible transaction and rumors of a guy boozing it up. –Joe
June 6th, 2013 at 7:27 pm
Would $18 million buy Freeman a brain?
June 6th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
@Couch Fan
If you type into Google, “met Josh Freeman” WITH the quotes there are a few stories of people meeting him. Not one had anything negative to say.
Maybe I should start a rumor that Couch Fan actually hates football and is a soccer fan just trolling? I can say I heard a million things about a million people but I decide NOT to waste anybody’s time with it.
June 6th, 2013 at 7:31 pm
Couch Fan, the only way you heard that was because one source said it, and all the rest were quoting that same source. And that one source? He attributed an “unnamed source” himself.
Yet, there has been nothing…NOTHING to prove what you say. Josh has been a model citizen, and for you to even say that suggests you are not a local fan and have done nothing but listen to what other media has claimed without proof.
June 6th, 2013 at 7:32 pm
Oh, and that source that started the rumor? Boomer.
June 6th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
What football player was it that got a judges permission to track IP Addresses to sue someone for slander?
June 6th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
Better yet, just type the same thing into twitter. Bunch of people have met him and no one mentions a single negative thing.
@Free’s A Boob
Did that hurt? You managed a complete sentence there, great job buddy! Next time maybe you can string together two sentences and then you won’t have to wear a helmet when you eat your cereal in the morning. (Still need the floaties though.)
Your childish remarks will be met with equally childish remarks.
June 6th, 2013 at 7:50 pm
“Oh, and that source that started the rumor? Boomer.”
Yeah, I’m sure that Boomer just sits around wondering what kind of crazy rumors he can dream up. Believe what you want.
June 6th, 2013 at 7:52 pm
Another short-sighted complaint without any the the salary cap implications of resigning key players will have going forward.
June 6th, 2013 at 7:53 pm
^^Because no one has ever started a fake rumor before.^^
PewterReport knew for a fact that Talib was to be cut/traded before the start of the 2012 season.
June 6th, 2013 at 7:54 pm
^Whoops, that was directed at lightningbuc.^
June 6th, 2013 at 7:55 pm
So now Freeman is a raging alcoholic because some people that don’t like him say so?? What are you gonna try and sell us next? Maybe you’ll try to convince me that he trips the blind, or kicks puppies?? All I know is, I don’t care if Freeman drinks in his free time. If he isn’t coming to work drunk, it’s none of our business what he does elsewhere. You guys are just looking for reasons to talk down on him, and it’s sad and pathetic. It’s one thing to dislike Freeman as our QB, it’s entirely different to attack a man you don’t know at all and try to sling mud on his character. Grow up people.
June 6th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
lightningbuc Says:
June 6th, 2013 at 7:50 pm
“Oh, and that source that started the rumor? Boomer.”
“Yeah, I’m sure that Boomer just sits around wondering what kind of crazy rumors he can dream up. Believe what you want.”
I meant that Boomer was the one that attributed the rumor to an “unnamed” source. I could be mistaken that he was the one, it’s been a while.
June 6th, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Guarantee Boomer Esiason has better sources than Pewter Report, Joe, West Coast Buc, and Walter combined. Where there’s smoke there’s fire. Besides, many have witnessed it first hand. If you don’t want to believe it, that’s your prerogative.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
Who is this “many” that “have witnessed it first hand”? Boomer? Give me a break, the Freeman haters are grasping at straws.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:26 pm
@lightningbuc
Sorry, but none of us are going to just take your word for it. Freeman has never gotten in any off-field trouble, no legal trouble, everyone who works with him and is around him goes on record and describes him as a good natured, hard working young man, so I could care less if Boomer Esiason labels him as some kind of party animal, I’m not buying it for a second. Only the idiots on this site whose only mission is to bash on Freeman every single day would believe that garbage. I can’t even believe you guys would stoop so low, it’s shameful.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:31 pm
I would say the Bucs could try to improve the O line depth with solid player with experience vs. trying to constantly trying to take the cheap route and find practice squad and undrafted gems. We witness the lack of depth last season. Sure they had their moments, but late in the season both Free and Martin was hurt by the O Line. We are still one injury away at O line to a ruin season. The depth is still unproven and full of cast away.
We still need a 3rd or 4th receiver. Whether it’s a Wr or Te. We need someone that would take advantage of the attention giving to Jackson and William. I would go with a TE for this system. We are trying to establish a run first mentality and having a TE that can block and catch on the field at all time can and would confuse defense about our play calling. The TE vs LB matchup is often a disadvantage especially if a TE is both fast and big going up against a LB with suspect coverage skill and speed. Maybe we already have that guy, but we’ll find out starting preseason and regular season. Personally I thing Crabtree is the one that could step up at the position.
My only gripe about Defense is the lack of proven depth at the D Line and SLB. I can rely on Hayward to be solid but not highlight reel good like LaVonte or Foster. Everyone else at Sam is a question mark. I wish Watson steps up and have a breakout year. At least he’s athletic at that spot and can potentially make good splash play at the Sam.
I’m curious about who’s the next guy behind McCoy. I wonder how big of a drop off in talent would they be when McCoy is on the sideline for a break or the worst case scenario.
I’m not advocating spending majority of what’s left in the cap this year, but there are some guys that can fix my concern about depth. Like Richard Seymour has a better career that Gibson and Landi combine. Also it keep Atlanta from getting him. Plus he can be helpful for the younger guys on the line a la proven All pro and Pro Bowl vet Revis and Goldson helping the younger guys.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
@ Joe
so your idea of doing everything possible to win the superbowl is to spend every last penny of our cap space? there’s a reason why they didnt go after players like John Abraham, and its because players like him are over the hill and over priced, not to mention it would have taken away precious playing time from the rest of our d linemen, who they have invested so heavily in. make no mistake about it, the coaches and the organization as a whole have taken every possible scenario into consideration and felt that our current roster works on many different levels. are there risks involved? OF COURSE!!! but its why they are running the show, and why we aren’t.
the bucs brass clearly has faith in our roster, so why dont you or other bucs fans for that matter?
I for one applaud the job that the bucs have done this off season. they have taken every factor into consideration and have prudently improved this team.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:35 pm
Freeman Mayonnaise Swallowers. Look I can make up silly names to.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:38 pm
Why is it that Free’s mayonnaise swallowers seem to think anyone is trying to change your mind? Dont worry we understand your position with Freeman. (Right on his jock). Why do you constantly have to turn it into something it is not. I posted what I had heard, had nothing to do with changing your little pea brain minds. it was simply to start a discussion. I cant speak for Lightening but I’m sure he is doing the same. GET OVER YOURSELVES!
June 6th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
West Coast and Walt,
Like i said, if you don’t want to believe, I certainly don’t expect you to take my word for it. I’d give you the address to the lodge that he spends all his time at so you can see for yourself, but Joe probably wouldn’t permit it.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Realist:
Joe didn’t write that. What Joe did write is if the Bucs’ braintrust thought they were on the cusp of a Super Bowl, they wouldn’t be $18 million under the cap (i.e. the 49ers).
June 6th, 2013 at 9:44 pm
Perhaps. Joe finds it interesting that Boomer — a guy who has been in Tampa, what, twice since Freeman’s been in the NFL? — is the only guy hearing these things.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:45 pm
@Couch
Really?? Mayonnaise Swallowers? What are you, 12? I mean, it would explain your lack of football knowledge, that’s for sure.
@lightningbuc
If I saw Freeman at a bar, I wouldn’t assume that he’s an alcoholic, I’d assume that he was over 21 and felt like going to a bar that night. I don’t understand how that is an issue.
June 6th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
Nope. Only stories Joe has heard from eyewitnesses have been pretty innocent, unless you call playing soccer with college soccer players home for the summer or having a couple of beers at a beach bar and flirting with a waitress crimes against humanity.
On the other hand, Joe heard all kinds of stories from all sorts of people about Raheem’s drinking habits.
Oh, and Joe heard a classic story once about Aqib Talib getting run from an upscale night club after doing a series of shots, which Joe will keep to himself, but Joe heard said story from the owner of the establishment! 🙂
June 6th, 2013 at 10:05 pm
WCBF,
We all have witnessed inconsistent play, and quite frankly I don’t care what Josh does outside of football, as long as we are winning.
We have all witnessed mediocre and regression throughout the season, over the past 2 years.
Josh is offered a great opportunity this year, it is time to step up, excel, and make the most of his opportunity. The ball is in his court.
If Freeman whoops ass all year, he is paid.
If Freeman slumps again, then it may be just who he is, a backup QB.
June 6th, 2013 at 10:10 pm
After 55 NFL starts, and this kind of a team around him, our QB better step up to the task at hand.
We have a quality backup option, should we need it.
Freeman’s “Franchise Best” season should be called the “Andy Dalton” year, but it wasn’t even that good as Dalton went to the playoffs two years in a row.
June 6th, 2013 at 10:16 pm
@Stevek
You may it sound like Freeman has to put up numbers like Brady, Rodgers, Manning, or Brees to get an extension.
All I want is for him to cut down on interceptions, other than that, his numbers are pretty damn good if you ask me. 4,000 yards, 25-30tds, 12ints or less would make me happy. The only other complaint I have is his completion percentage, I’d like it to be closer to 60%, I’d settle for 58% though, that would only take a handful of more completions, last year he was at 54.8%.
Where I REALLY want to see improvement is the defense, specifically the pass D, they gave up WAYYYYY to many games in the final moments last year, I’m growing tired of mediocre defense. Bottom line, we had a top 10 offense last year, it’s time for the D to carry it’s on weight, Freeman shouldn’t have to carry the team like Tom Brady to get an extension.
June 6th, 2013 at 10:48 pm
All the negativity about Freeman is harshing my offseason buzz braaaah!
June 7th, 2013 at 1:13 am
Steve: I don’t know if I’d call Dan Orlovsky a quality backup. And if you’re referring to either of the other two QBs on the roster, I don’t believe they’ve played games in the NFL yet, so I’m curious how you presume to know the quality of their ability in the NFL. Even NFL scouts have gotten it wrong, with all their hours of film study, college game scouting, pro days, combine… just look at David Carr, Jamarcus Russell, Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich, Kyle Boller, Rex Grossman, JP Losman, Patrick Ramsey, Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart, and Tim Tebow (and that’s just first rounders since 2000 that have flopped, not including Mark Sanchez, and not going past round 1). It’s amazing that (if you are referring to Glennon) you can see in Glennon what none of these NFL scouts could see in those guys, because none of them are really very quality as backups. Only Leftwich has had much success as a backup in Pittsburgh. Grossman got to a Super Bowl with the Bears D leading the way, but where is he now? Oh yeah, he was backing up RGIII in Washington last year. Yeah, that’s 11 first round picks out of 36 (not including this year) that aren’t starting and barely making it as backups, but our 3rd round pick is “quality”. I sure feel better now.
June 7th, 2013 at 1:38 am
It’s also funny hearing how everybody puts playoffs and win/loss on the QB. If he’s a “great” QB, he’d take us there. Well, there’s this story about a QB that was a first round pick. His first two years his team went to the playoffs, in his second year the team had an 11-5 record even. Man, that QB must be ELITE!!! Yeah, his name is Mark Sanchez, you know… the guy with the career 55.1 comp %, has thrown more INTs than TDs, struggles to break a 75 QB rating (and only did it in a non-playoff year), and only once in his 4 years has he ever thrown more TDs than Freeman had INTs last year. That’s right, Sanchez has only once thrown for more than 17 TDs in a year (also a non-playoff year for him).
Remember people, the brilliant coaching staff at One Buc chose to keep Freeman 3rd string his rookie year (actually 4th) while they let Leftwich and McCown battle it out for starter and JJ was 3rd string. He didn’t get reps, just got to study a playbook the team threw out before week 1 of the season. When he finally started, he only had a few weeks with the new playbook. Next year, 2010, 2nd year with Olson as OC he did pretty good. 2011 was a shambles for everyone on the team. Then he got Schiano/Sullivan and actually did pretty well for most of the season. If he progresses in his second season for them like he did for Olson, there’s a pretty good shot he’ll skyrocket up the QB charts this year (if Freeman’s history has anything to do with it). Just that he didn’t struggle all year last year was improvement, the fact that he was actually playing pretty well most of the year in a new system was improvement. Now, he gets a second year in the system, which history of Freeman shows, is his best year in an NFL system.
Regardless, I could throw out names of QBs all day long that Freeman is better than right now, without improvement that are playing in the NFL Seriously, the Cardinals started Skelton last year. Matt Cassell has been starting for years in KC. Nick Foles was really bad in Philly. Come on, you gotta admit that if teams are starting players like that, having Freeman really isn’t so bad. Frustrating at times, maybe, but definitely not that bad.
June 7th, 2013 at 2:42 am
The D-line is the big ? I think the end’s could explode this year. I know we haven’t had a D-line in ten year’s now. But I’m confident with a few year’s under their belt. They are ready. That coupled with 100% Revis or the return of Eric Wright or a Pro bowl rookie DT (Spence). Heck dynamite Daniel Orlovsky could lead us to the playoff’s.
June 7th, 2013 at 3:08 am
Lol @ the freeman haters…..I can’t wait till the season starts …
Btw. 9 th rated offense in the 1st year of OC sullivans system, without 2 starting guards and a patchwork o-line …
Lmao @ the morons who can’t even throw a football , bashing Freeman. Hilarious !
June 7th, 2013 at 3:36 am
BamBamBuc is dropping knowledge. Great posts. Wish I had thought of Mark Sanchez. I might be a bit jealous.
June 7th, 2013 at 4:53 am
@Tim Couch Fan, you and all the other Freeman haters are uneducated, ignorant little men.
why are you even on these boards. youre too stubborn to take into account all of the factors that we’ve been coming up short these past few year, so you troll these boards and get off on all of the negative attention from the rest of us. thats a female trait little man. a shaun king trait.
so ignore logic. ignore reason. and stay petty. ignorant. and pathetic. btw,this is for Tim Couch Fan and all his circle jerk buddies on here.
June 7th, 2013 at 5:09 am
I disagree. There’s really no reason why we couldn’t contend this year. This team really doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. Some more depth at CB, DE, and TE would be nice, but we’re fine with what we have there. No team can be stacked at every position.
This team is coming off a season where they had:
An above average passing game
A great running game
The best run defense in the NFL
A poor pass defense that gave up a lot of yards but at least got plenty of interceptions to make up for it
Now, let me recap our monster offseason real quick.
Significant gains in the offseason:
Darrelle Revis
Dashon Goldson
Johnthan Banks
Kevin Ogletree
Significant losses in the offseason:
Michael Bennett
Ronde Barber
I’d say it’s pretty obvious that the gains greatly outweigh the losses in the offseason. Oh and let’s not forget…
Key contributors returning from injury:
Carl Nicks
Davin Joseph
Adrian Clayborn
Probably a couple other guys I forgot about since it seems every year we have at least a dozen injuries
Last year, we had a good team. We’ve taken all the steps necessary to becoming a great team. Not only are the 2013 Buccaneers going to be the best Buccaneers team in years, but they may soon be the best Buccaneers team ever. I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t compete for the ring this year.
June 7th, 2013 at 5:10 am
@Tim Couch Fan, you and all the other Freeman haters have no business talkin football.
why are you even on these boards. youre too stubborn to take into account all of the factors that caused us to come up short these past few year, so you troll these boards and get off on all of the attention, however negative, from the rest of us. thats a female trait….a shaun king trait.
so ignore logic. ignore reason. and stay petty. ignorant. sad and pathetic. btw,this is for Tim Couch Fan and ALL his circle jerk buddies on here.
June 7th, 2013 at 5:26 am
@other Tony. I think Blount was a pretty significant loss. he may have fumbled a bit, but a lot of that could have come from lesser reps in games and practice. the guy got better as he got more carries, and he knew how to close out games. I just dont want to see Schiano wear out Martin the way Chucky wore out Cadillac. but it is what.
maybe he just wasnt a Buccaneer Man.
June 7th, 2013 at 6:42 am
Getting drunk? Hmmmmm, worked for Favre and Steve DeBerg.
June 7th, 2013 at 7:02 am
Getting drunk worked pretty good for Bucs fans …Raheem drank alone alot too. got his ass out of here
June 7th, 2013 at 8:42 am
The only other position I wish we had went for was a star returner. Maybe we’ll develop one.
June 7th, 2013 at 9:05 am
What about a QB that does worse as the season goes on?
Wouldn’t we be better served to have a team that gets better as the season goes on?
Freeman needs to step it up. No excuses for the audibleless Freeman fan club.
June 7th, 2013 at 9:38 am
Here come the excuses for Freeman’s poor play and the season hasn’t even started.
June 7th, 2013 at 10:15 am
@stevek
Doug Martin got worse at the end of the season, rebounded against Atlanta like Freeman did, does that mean we should replace Martin?? The Freeman haters wanna point to a 5 game slide out of a 16 game season, and use that to justify getting rid of Freeman, but ignore the 16 game slide that our defense was on? Come on people, pull your heads out of your asses and wake up. The ONLY reason we were even 6-4 at one point was because Freeman was flat out BALLING at mid-season. If not for his RIDICULOUS 7 game stretch from week 5 to week 12, our team would have been 2-8 or 3-7 at best. Some of you people are completely ignoring what the Buccaneers greatest weakness truly was last year, and NO, it was not our QB, he was one of our strengths.
June 7th, 2013 at 10:28 am
Buc_Realist wrote
“@ Joe
so your idea of doing everything possible to win the superbowl is to spend every last penny of our cap space? there’s a reason why they didnt go after players like John Abraham, and its because players like him are over the hill and over priced, not to mention it would have taken away precious playing time from the rest of our d linemen, who they have invested so heavily in. make no mistake about it, the coaches and the organization as a whole have taken every possible scenario into consideration and felt that our current roster works on many different levels. are there risks involved? OF COURSE!!! but its why they are running the show, and why we aren’t.
the bucs brass clearly has faith in our roster, so why dont you or other bucs fans for that matter?
I for one applaud the job that the bucs have done this off season. they have taken every factor into consideration and have prudently improved this team.”
Look…I don’t know who you are or what you’ve done with the real Buc_Realist but he is gonna be pissed when he finds out you posted something positive under his name!
June 7th, 2013 at 10:38 am
Would you guys and gals please stop already.
-You know what this season is and should know what to expect. Some HIGHS and some lows with this QB.
-If our defense come to play we should improve on that factor alone and just manage Freeman’s turnover spam.
– Run the rock – go deep, play solid defense, and manage the games. Recipe for efficient football.
TEMPER YOUR EXPECTATIONS PEOPLE. Stop with the long posts about nothing.
June 7th, 2013 at 10:48 am
@SteveK
You base the premise that Freeman can’t audible around ONE PLAY? One play where his headset goes out and you label him as “unable” to audible. That is incredible asinine to make such a broad assumption from a single instance. You really need to drop that shtick because it is incredibly ignorant.
June 7th, 2013 at 11:02 am
WCBF,
The “one play” we needed him most.
How does Freeman do in crunch time.
Last I checked, we suffered a 5 game losing streak last year, and a 10 game losing streak the year before.
Where is Freeman when we need him most? He helped sink the ship as much as anyone entity of the team over the past two years.
Your are blindly ignorant as hell to not see this. I want Freeman to do well, but fact of the matter remains is that we need more. More from our QB is needed to succeed.
I wouldn’t ask for more if we knew Freeman wasn’t capable, but we have all seen flashes of potential.
Can Freeman perform for a whole season? That is yet to be seen.
June 7th, 2013 at 11:05 am
WCBF,
55 starts without measurable progress? Freeman has first shot to get it done this year, and I hope he does. If not, give the playing time to Glennon, at least he is an unknown commodity and could possibly provide CONSISTENCY at the position.
Freeman is our best shot to success in 2013, and I am calling him out to STEP UP or STEP OUT OF TAMPA.
Is Freeman Eli or Big Ben, or is Freeman Jason Campbell? ….2013 will shed the light we all need to see.
June 7th, 2013 at 11:29 am
It’d be nice if the D could show up for even just 1 game.
June 7th, 2013 at 11:37 am
Walter,
The D gave up between 21-27 ppg for any quarter portion of the season.
Our offense deviated from 34 ppg down to 17ppg.
You are not winning games averaging 17ppg, in today’s NFL.
The Defense would be better served if Freeman didn’t have so many 3 and outs.
June 7th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@stevek
What the hell are you talking about? I was talking ONLY about your comment on his ability to audible.
You make it very difficult to carry on a dialog.
Please stay on topic, you claim Freeman can’t audible because his mic went out for one play, in one game. If you think that that was the turning point in that game then you are high as a kite. It was a two yard run. Not an interception, not a fumble. You need to drop that complaint from your repertoire because it is inaccurate at best.
(Please STOP, before you respond. If your comment is NOT specifically to do with Freeman’s ability to audible (and ONLY that) than don’t bother responding. I am not talking about Freeman as a quarterback, I am talking ONLY about his ability to audible.)
June 7th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
@stevek
Look at the stats you have to divide up to make your points. Seriously, your evaluating the offense and defense based on the amount their “average” points per game swung throughout the season? Come on, that is really STRETCHING to prove your point.
You are saying the defense wasn’t that bad because they consistently sucked as opposed to the offense that was inconsistent but spent a portion of the season as the best in the league. Really?
The bottom line about the defense is this:
Stat – Average – (League rank)
PTS – 24.6 – (23rd)
YDS – 379.9 – (29th)
PASS YDS – 297.4 – (32nd)
RUSH YDS – 82.5 – (1st)
June 7th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Probably should mention the offensive rankings as well:
PTS – 24.3 – (13th)
YDS – 363.8 – (9th)
PASS YDS – 248.9 – (10th)
RUSH YDS – 114.8 – (15th)
The offense got it done last year, the defense did NOT.
June 7th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
@stevek
Your argument is so stupid.
“Our defense was terrible all year, but at least they were consistently terrible. That offense though, how dare they not be the #1 offense all season!”
I’m convinced, you’re an idiot.
June 7th, 2013 at 2:08 pm
WCBF,
Nice scramble! Your argument lacks strength, and you are a weak person. Thank you for your compliments, and you should apply for an internship at TMZ. You clearly feel threatened by the points I make, and in attempt to “win” the debate, you give in to name calling.
I wish you didn’t have to lose your temper, and just accept the fact that Freeman hasn’t done enough yet, and he needs to get it together this your or else. It is ok, I know your Josh won’t let you down. 😉
June 7th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
What we really need are some more excuses for Freeman’s substandard play.
June 7th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
@stevek
Might want to pick up a book once in awhile. There was no name calling in any of my posts. You just may be referring to Walter’s post.
With that out of the way maybe now you can actually read MY comments and “scramble” together a random assortment of thoughts that you will call a comment.
June 7th, 2013 at 5:41 pm
So. He had the best stats of any Bucs QB ever. Even with a patchwork line. The offense got the job done. Just Freeman had a couple Bad games. Other than that it was all bad defense that lost games.
Now why again do we need to break the bank to give Him more weapons?
Seems to me that’s why nobody here is runnng the Bucs front office.
June 7th, 2013 at 9:23 pm
stevek – So, what you’re really saying is that if our defense could have just been as inconsistent as our offense and held people to less than 21 ppg from time to time, we could have won more games? If they would have done that in the 1st quarter of the season, we would have 2 more wins against the Giants and Skins. The second quarter and we have one more win against the Saints. Third quarter, we beat the Falcons and Broncos. Fourth and we beat the Eagles (maybe the Rams, depending on how the defense holds). So, if the defense could have inconsistently had one good quarter of the year, we might have won 2 more games, 2 good quarters and it’s 3 to 4 more games and probably the playoffs. Damn, I sure wish our defense was as inconsistent as our offense last year…