Josh Freeman Benched, Asks for Trade

This blog is an unabashed supporter of Grandview High School product Josh Freeman who has been an NFL quarterback since 2009.

Josh Freeman has been benched by the Tampa Bay Bucs.  He is now requesting to be traded.  How did it come to this?

Josh's main problem has been up and down play.  He looked like a rookie in 2009.  He was good stuff in 2010.  He stepped back in 2011.  He had a significant streak of excellent play in 2012.  He has been horrible in 2013.

In reading comment and message boards on the situation, the blame has been placed variously on the Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano and on the quarterback himself.  It's been noted that he's had a bunch of coaches and offensive co-ordinators in his short career.

When Freeman was being evaluated in the course of the 2009 draft, the elite QBs eligible to draft, Freeman, Mark Sanchez, Matthew Stafford, and Chase Daniels, none of them were considered locks.  All had problems.  Physically, Freeman was considered the best prototype of an NFL quarterback, with arm strength and size.  Questions revolved around football IQ and work habits.

This writer has always maintained that while Josh Freeman is very talented, he is not so talented that he can just go out on the field without strong preparation and practice.  Can he read defenses?  Can he work his progressions?  Does he know when to pull it down and run?  Can he inspire the other men in the huddle, showing them a calm demeanor under stress?

The best fit for Josh Freeman might just be the Oakland Raiders.  Oakland is the home of Tampa Bay's former OC, Greg Olson, and under Mr. Olson, Josh had his best years.  I'm not terribly excited at the idea of the nasty Raiders improving themselves with Josh Freeman.  However, it is clear that Josh has no chance of progressing his career in Tampa Bay.  It is time for a fresh start for Josh Freeman.  Once there, wherever there turns out to be, Josh needs to work at improving himself--his quarterback and leadership skills--and taking advantage of a fresh start.