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.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Tough year for Freeman and company this past season.

This was not a good year for Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Bucs. They started 3-1 but finished the season with 10 straight losses, looking really bad in the process. Basically, I would check the score, and sigh. The last game the Atlanta Falcons blew them out so badly, it was 42-0 in the second quarter.

Josh had 22 interceptions and 5 lost fumbles during 2011. Not all, of course were his fault, but that is a huge increase from 2010 where he threw just 6 INTs and lost 3 fumbles. TDs were down from 25 to 16. The relatively useless QB rating tumbled 20 points from 2010 to 2011.

I would suspect that the firing of the coach is related to the step back that Josh and this entire team took this year. This team folded, in addition to playing badly. The way it folded is something you have to lay at the feet of the coach. I keep comparing the Bucs to the Chiefs. The Chiefs never folded. They always kept playing, especially the defense. Tampa Bay folded--lost their focus and professionalism. While players are very responsible for that, much of that comes from the coach.

Josh is very talented, but prone to take his talent for granted, thinking that talent alone will get it done. If he is smart, he will take this off season to spend a lot of time thinking about how he wants his career to go. He might want to look at the best QBs in the league for models: Brady, Breese, Rodgers, even Rothlesburger. Look at these guys for clues as to what works and what doesn't work to help become a professional QB that is a step above the average--a guy a team can build on towards a championship.

Your Josh Freeman Update

It's been an up and down year for Josh and the Bucs. Like the Chiefs they are dealing with a much tougher schedule. Josh has made some comebacks in the fourth quarter, but he has also thrown more interceptions than all of last year already. The Bucs are losing more than winning. This year feels more like a sophomore year than last year did. Teams have "book" on Josh now.

Tampa Bay is a bit like the Chiefs now. If they have any chance, it is very small. It is more about learning and improving, not going to the Super Bowl now.

Bucs and Bears Travel to London: Bears Win 24-18

Despite losing their starting running back to a season ending Achilles injury and Josh throwing four interceptions, Tampa Bay was in the game until that last interception. Tampa Bay's defense picked off Bears QB Jay Cutler twice, but was gashed by Matt Forte for 145 yards, enabling the Bears to play ball control.

Tampa Bay scored twice in the fourth quarter to make a close game of it, and were driving in the last minute when the last INT was thrown. The Bucs gameplan was in a mess after running back Earnest Graham, playing for injured LeGarrette Blount was injured. The Bucs were dismayed with their play, and as hot as the Saints are, every game is critical.

Your Quicky Josh Freeman Update

Just a quick Josh update: As a fan of both Josh and the Saints, last week was a tough game to root. I wanted Josh to rebound after he and the rest of the rest of the Saints offense disappeared against San Francisco, yet I wanted New Orleans to keep up with Green Bay and get a win.

Josh and the offense reappeared and the Bucs won against New Orleans 26-20. It is important for a young team to rebound after a crappy game, and especially when now you are playing a tougher schedule and many teams you see are improved. I really feel like the Chiefs and Bucs are treading the same path to becoming good teams, but I think the Bucs have the better QB.

I would say that even if Josh Freeman hadn't gone to Grandview High School

Your Josh Freeman Update

Josh was sacked twice and intercepted once by Detroit. Look for this group to introduce themselves to Matt Cassel this coming Sunday.

Tampa Bay played Detroit opening day on a nice hot sunny day in Florida and found themselves in a real fight with the improving Lions. The Detroit defense is starting to look like a classic NFC Central black and blue defense able to stop opponents at will. The Bucs could not run or throw, and had no offensive rhythm until it was too late deep in the fourth quarter. Josh Freeman's final numbers: 28/43 for 259 yards, one touchdown, one interception and two fumbles (not lost).

Detroit may be this year's Kansas City, especially if Matthew Stafford stays healthy: improving team with a relatively easy schedule. They do still have to play in their division, which up and down is better than the AFC West so it might not be quite so easy for the Lions to take the division, but don't be surprise to see this team in the playoffs.

Josh Gets Some Love From ESPN

How about that? One of the "cover stories" on the NFL home page on ESPN! Makes me smile.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Freeman back to pass in today's game against New Orleans. (nfl.com)

Tampa Bay finished their year 10-6 with a victory over the New Orleans Saints today. The Bucs made big progress, doubling their win total from last year. However, they struggled against good teams--with the exception of today's game, the Bucs were without victories against better than 500 teams and Josh's QB rating was an average 75 against such teams as opposed to over 100 against sub .500 teams. Like the Chiefs, the Bucs may be a little ahead of schedule, the results this year concealing deficits in the team. There is no doubt, though, that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found their quarterback.

For the Saints game, which TB won, Josh was 21/26 for 255 yards and two TDs. No INTs--he did lose a fumble in today's game. The season's totals are 291/474 for 3,451 yards. He threw 25 TD passes and 6 INTs. He also ran for 364 yards. He was sacked 28 times and lost 3 fumbles. His QB rating for the whole season was 95.9.

Josh's biggest improvement was in his interception numbers. In 16 games he had 12 fewer INTs then in last years campaign. He raised his QB rating from 59.8 to 95.9. It's clear that he worked at improving over the off season and, even without a lot of game work in the preseason, he was ready to play better this year.

The next step for Freeman and the Bucs is to be able to hang some defeats on some of the better teams. They can start with their own division that includes the Saints and Falcons, both playoff teams this year.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Mr. Freeman goes to Baltimore--and did not have a good time. (nfl.com)

Though he was neither sacked nor intercepted, Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Bucs could not make any serious inroads against the tough Baltimore Ravens defense, resulting in a 17-10 loss on the road. Josh was 17/37 for just 162 yards and one touch down.

Much is being made of Tampa Bay not having won against a team with a winning record. However, I think Tampa's situation is very similar to Kansas City's; any thing good that happens at this point is a bonus, the team is so young. Every game is an improvement and a learning experience for all. Their playoff chances took a bit of a blow with this loss--both Atlanta and New Orleans won this week, leaving TB in third place in the NFC South. Still next week's game in Tampa, against the Falcons promises to be a good one. In addition, it may sell out, lifting the blackout for the first time this season for TV viewers in the Tampa area.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Josh Freeman at yesterday's game (nfl.com gallery photo)

More and more national commentators are starting to talk about Josh Freeman. His record of forth quarter wins and steady low error play this year are starting to be noticed. I have to admit I'm pretty psyched about this! Josh looks to be a part of a bit of a renaissance of top level young quarterbacks. Josh, Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Matthew Stafford join Matt Ryan, Tony Romo (yeah, I know, :P) and Joe Flacco as honest to goodness NFL quarterback potential superstars. You could throw Jay Cutler and Kyle Orten in there with continued improvement, and then there is the puzzle that is Tim Tebow. So these are some pretty heady days for the Grandview High product.

Tampa Bay could have had a let down against lowly one-win Carolina. However, while not playing at their very best, the Bucs did not let Carolina ever take a lead. They had an answer for every Panther parry. Freeman's stat line for the game: 18/24 for 241 yards, 2 TDs and no INTs. He was aided on offense by LeGarrette Blount again, who ran for 91 yards and Cadillac Williams who added 62 yards on just 5 rushes. Both backs had TDs. Final score 31-16, leaving the Bucs 6-3, tied for second with the New Orleans Saints.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Just a quicky--Josh's Bucs lost to Atlanta 27-21. Atlanta's defense held Tampa Bay's offense out in the last seconds with a stand on forth and two. Freeman had, for the first time in several games, two interceptions. From a look see at the highlights and the commentary, the Falcons won this with defense and steadier play.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers--another young team that needs to learn how to play and win under the pressure of expectations and opposition from better teams.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Jayhawks and Wildcats, along with help from a Duck, combined forces to take Tampa Bay to victory in a wild one in Arizona yesterday. The final score was 38-35 and the victory wasn't sure until former Kansas Jayhawk Aqib Talib intercepted an Arizona pass in the last couple minutes--and even then the Cardinals didn't go away quietly.

The Bucs went out to a 17 point lead on the strength of two Pick-6's including one by Talib. The Cardinals went to the bullpen, yanking starting QB Max Hall, replacing him with Derek Anderson. Anderson played better but he too, had two INTs, giving the Cards a total of 4 INTs, against two fumbles lost and no INTs for the Bucs.

LeGarrette Blout, whose last claim to fame was being suspended for his senior year at the University of Oregon for punching a player from Boise State, rushed for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. His run included a 40+ yarder. Josh Freeman, the K State Wildcat, was 18/25 for 278 yards, one touchdown, and yes, another game without an INT. Josh also added 22 yards running. The game was an exciting back and forth affair that looked like it was fun to watch. Tampa Bay is now also a surprising 5-2, although a look at the chat boards reveals some fan bitterness is remaining towards this team and people are reluctant to jump on the bandwagon.

Only one other note; a request: Arizona Cardinals--please retire these black alternate unis. Only red please, even all red!

Photos of Josh Freeman and Aqib Talib from nfl.com.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Freeman in the fourth quarter avoiding the rush and leading the drive (nfl.com)

I didn't know this. Of the seven games that Josh Freeman has won as a starter for the Tampa Bay Bucs, five of them were fourth quarter comebacks. He added to that total Sunday as he led the Bucs back from a 17-3 deficit to win 18-17 over the Rams. Obviously he didn't do it by himself as the Bucs defense had to hold the Rams scoreless for the second half. But he executed the hurry up offense and made a touchdown pass with 10 seconds left to win the game. His final stats: 22/40 for 212 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

TB's coach proclaimed his young team the "best in the NFC"--quite a contrast to the Chiefs coaching staff. Bulletin board material for the Arizona Cardinals, TB's next opponent.

Who Knew?

Who knew the Chiefs defense would yak up a hairball in the fourth quarter? Four possessions--four touchdowns for the Texans, bringing them to a 35-31 win. The Chiefs gagged up two 10 point leads in the game.

Also, Tampa Bay just go spanked by New Orleans. A thoroughgoing beating administered by a better team. However, it was not aided and abetted by Josh Freeman interceptions--he had none. TB just couldn't do anything against a superior team.

Both New York teams won.

The NFL rolls on.

Your Josh Freeman Update

The Tampa Bay Bucs are 3-1 also and frankly are in a very similar position to the Chiefs: Very young team with a rising defense, still looking for consistency. Only thing: I do believe they are better off at QB then we are, having Josh Freeman. In last Sunday's game against the Bengals in Cincy, Josh was able to take advantage of the two late turnovers by the Bengals and lead the Bucs to 10 points in the last two minutes, including the game winning FG with 5 seconds left in the game. Freeman's final line was 20/33 for 280 yards, one interception and one TD. He ran for 20 yards as well.

Even with this success, and division rival New Orleans the next opponent, Tampa Bay expects to be blacked out at home this coming Sunday. In fact, according to this blogger, the Bucs figure to be blacked out for their five remaining home games. Like one of the locals posted it's hard to figure they wouldn't get 65,000 people in to see a winning team.

Chiefs Thump 49'ers

Wow, everyone was convinced the 49'ers would win this game with a superior run defense stuffing Chiefs runners and an offense with a strong runner and weapons at tight end and wide receiver.

(I for one was not sold on the Niners winning--due to their heartbreaking loss to New Orleans and due to their HBLtoNO on Monday night--I really thought they were due for a let down and Arrowhead was the perfect place for the let down...I should have made this clear before so it doesn't look like "now picking.")

Well, there was a team out there with a strong run defense, good runners and weapons at tight end and wide receiver. It was the Chiefs.

Actually you have to hand the game balls out to the guys in the trenches. Both the offensive and defensive lines played absolutely superior, shoving the 49'ers all over the field, and enabling the fireworks on offense. And didn't you just love the play calling? Perfect balance between conservative and gambling.

Critical moment when the Chiefs could have lost the game: After Ryan Succoup's rare miss just before the 2 minute warning, the defense could have allowed the Niners to move the ball, and possibly score. Instead, they held them to 3 and out, and the Chiefs took advantage to get that 3 points they missed out on earlier.

Chiefs are off on a bye next week--they return in two weeks in Indy. Tough assignment!

In other news, Josh Freeman is held in check by Steelers defense and Steelers offense runs over and above Buc's defense for a blow out win by the Steelers.

Us Giant fans may have to step out of denial and recognize that our football team is not very good. They lost to Tennessee in New York, making them 1-2.

As I type the Jets and Dolphins are down to the last minute of their game, with the Jets up 31-23 and the Dolphins on the Jets 10. The Dolphins would need a TD and 2 point conversion to tie. The Jets have intercepted Miami's pass in the end zone, and will do the Victory Formation to win the game. The Jets may be the better New York team, now being 2-1.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Josh Freeman ran and threw his way around the Carolina Panthers this past week. You might remember that Carolina was where Josh played his worse game last year with multiple interceptions. This time, he threw for 178 yards on 12/28 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 43 yards on both designed runs and scrambles. His best play was when he shook off two potential sackers in the back field, then confidently, calmly and with good form stopped and completed a long pass. So Tampa Bay is also 2-0 unexpectedly.

The Grandview High grad looked right at home last Sunday, eluding the rush and making strong accurate passes (nfl.com)

Your Josh Freeman Update

Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Bucs played the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, and came away 17-14 winners. Josh Freeman was 17/28 for 182 yards, with one interception and two touchdowns.

He looked steady in the pocket, and appears to have grown over the off season. It was noted that he was wearing the Captain's patch--even for a QB, for a second year player to be elected one of the captains--that's not a small thing.

He did have one horrendous throw, an overthrow over the middle, that was intercepted, but his bad throw was overshadowed by one even worse--the throw of Cleveland's Jake Delhomme on the resulting offensive possession of the Browns that was picked off by Ronde Barber and nearly returned for a TD.

Josh had a long run of 33 yards. He was sacked three times--without seeing the game it is hard to know if these sacks were related to any of the common sins of the young QB--holding the ball too long, missing open receivers, etc. So a good steady game it appears for Josh Freeman, but the game was won for Tampa Bay by old man Barber.

Josh Freeman Update and A Bit on The Chiefs

Freeman after the game, with the thumb splinted (www.tbo.com)

Josh Freeman busted the thumb on his throwing hand during Saturday night's game against the Chiefs, hitting it on a helmet on a follow through. He is done for preseason, having had only 3 series and thrown only 8 passes. Needless to say, Tampa Bay fans are concerned as Freeman needed to have the work. He is supposed to be ready for the beginning of the season. A bad break for Josh and for the Bucs, who are going to vie with Kansas City for being one of the worse teams in the NFL.

As for the Chiefs, signs of real life were sighted in the offense and special teams. The defense? Not so much. Still unable to stop the run or rush with any less than 7 players, we got problems there. Lots of high scoring games ahead, which does not bode well for the team. Defense still wins championships. Maybe they'll come together--Romeo Crennel is coaching them up like crazy trying to compensate for personnel deficiencies.

Your Josh Freeman Update

Freeman lets one fly against Atlanta. Nerdy UniWatch note: After starting out not wearing any padding below the waist, Josh is wearing thigh and knee pads now. (www.nfl.com)

Tampa Bay lost 20-10 to Atlanta in a grinding game played in 40 degree rainy weather in Tampa. Atlanta stuffed Cadillac Williams, holding him to 40 yards on the day. As stated earlier, a good running game makes a QB better and Josh did not have a running game this day to help him. Freeman threw two interceptions in the forth quarter, leading to 10 Atlanta points. One ball he threw was to a receiver with four defenders around him. To the Buc's credit, they stayed in the game for the majority of the day, scoring first with a field goal, and catching up to tie at 10-10 early in the forth quarter, but the turnovers did them in.

Josh will need to cut down on the number of INTs he throws He needs to figure out if it's mental (not reading the defense right for example) or a matter of physical execution, not being accurate with throws. If I were a Bucs fan, I would be concerned, but optimistic about the QB position. In many ways, the Bucs are ahead of the Chiefs. They have a stout defense that can hold the opposition, and they have some runners and pass catchers. The team is very young and needs to mature. They also need to settle any uncertainty about their coaching situation--rumors have been flying about first year coach Raheem Morris. All in all a promising start for the Grandview High grad, but he must continue to mature, and he must work this off season to be better.

It's been fun. We'll be back to watch next year.