Josh Freeman - Inactive first 2 weeks... still next in line? (1 Viewer)

[murzman]

I have seen very little talk about Freeman the last few weeks - surpising since he was the 17th overall pick and is on a team who is weak at QB. He has been inactive as the 3rd QB the first 2 weeks behind Josh Johnson. Would he still be first in line if the Bucs were to make a change at QB? Wouldn't be surprised to see them bench Leftwich if they were 2-5 or worse come bye week, so is it realistic that he gets his shot this season before Johnson?

For what its worth, he is listed as the back-up on FBG depth charts...

 

[FavreCo]

The Bucs would be wise to not put that kid in anytime soon. The team blows. He can't help them.

 

[thriftyrocker]

I think the Bucs realize they aren't going to compete right now. Freeman will get Dec and part of Nov to start. Assuming they are out of it, they will play him some just to generate interest and sell tickets.

 

[murzman]

Any word out of Tampa that Freeman would be the guy if Leftwich was benched? Obviously Johnson would be in if he was yanked in the middle of a game, but who would start the following week? I don't see any reason for Tampa to keep starting Leftwich if they are out of it.

 

[MAC_32]

Freeman has A LOT to learn before he's a decent NFL QB. He wasn't even that good of a college QB, his scoring 'drives' usually consisted of one big play for a score. Most every other drive ended in a quick punt or a turnover. He has the size and the arm, but nothing else, not right now anyway. The Bucs would be wise to not use him at all until after Thanksgiving, if not later.

 

[dirty_martini]

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss Johnson either. He put up some mad stats in college - 108 TDs, 15 ints. He doesn't have prototype size - skinny as a rail - but he is a football player.

 

[jevy]

Any word out of Tampa that Freeman would be the guy if Leftwich was benched? Obviously Johnson would be in if he was yanked in the middle of a game, but who would start the following week? I don't see any reason for Tampa to keep starting Leftwich if they are out of it.

During the TB/Buf game, it was mentioned that TB views Johnson as nothing more then a backup and that come gameday, either Leftwich would start, or Freeman would start.

 

[MAC_32]

Any word out of Tampa that Freeman would be the guy if Leftwich was benched? Obviously Johnson would be in if he was yanked in the middle of a game, but who would start the following week? I don't see any reason for Tampa to keep starting Leftwich if they are out of it.

During the TB/Buf game, it was mentioned that TB views Johnson as nothing more then a backup and that come gameday, either Leftwich would start, or Freeman would start.

I'm surprised they've held onto him then. I think this kid's got a better shot in the league if given an opportunity than Freeman.

 

[taz]

Any word out of Tampa that Freeman would be the guy if Leftwich was benched? Obviously Johnson would be in if he was yanked in the middle of a game, but who would start the following week? I don't see any reason for Tampa to keep starting Leftwich if they are out of it.

During the TB/Buf game, it was mentioned that TB views Johnson as nothing more then a backup and that come gameday, either Leftwich would start, or Freeman would start.

Raheem Morris has come out and said specifically that he views Johnson as a career backup ("my Jason Garrett"). So even though Freeman technically is the No. 3, once he's ready to start, he'll be the guy.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Any word out of Tampa that Freeman would be the guy if Leftwich was benched? Obviously Johnson would be in if he was yanked in the middle of a game, but who would start the following week? I don't see any reason for Tampa to keep starting Leftwich if they are out of it.

During the TB/Buf game, it was mentioned that TB views Johnson as nothing more then a backup and that come gameday, either Leftwich would start, or Freeman would start.

Raheem Morris has come out and said specifically that he views Johnson as a career backup ("my Jason Garrett"). So even though Freeman technically is the No. 3, once he's ready to start, he'll be the guy.

What's going on down there? I see no news on Freeman ...and Johnson is playing.

 

[oso diablo]

noticeable tick up in the FBG rankings for Freeman. is there some news here?

 

[FavreCo]

noticeable tick up in the FBG rankings for Freeman. is there some news here?

May be he is getting closer to showcasing his lack of ability. That dude will suck and suck bad. Josh Johnson, who is better, will get benched becasue he couldn't get it done. Freeman will then suck even worse but the blame will go everywhere but Freeman becasue they wasted a 1st on him. This storyline is already written. The only way Freeman doesn't play this year is that they know what I know and that is if you put him in this year everyone will see that he is no better than Johnson.

 

[sparkky]

I'm also not a believer in Freeman after watching him play in the Big 12.

I have visions of Vince Young and J. Russell.

That being said, I'm sure he will get his shot with the pick they have invested in him and nothing to lose.

 

[bigums]

noticeable tick up in the FBG rankings for Freeman. is there some news here?

May be he is getting closer to showcasing his lack of ability. That dude will suck and suck bad. Josh Johnson, who is better, will get benched becasue he couldn't get it done. Freeman will then suck even worse but the blame will go everywhere but Freeman becasue they wasted a 1st on him. This storyline is already written. The only way Freeman doesn't play this year is that they know what I know and that is if you put him in this year everyone will see that he is no better than Johnson.

Normally FavreCo is overly negative, but I have to agree here. Word earlier in the month was that he was putting on weight instead of getting in better shape. His study habits have been questioned and he was a project to begin with. Everything about this guy screams bust of epic proportions. The Raheem/Domenik era will hopefully be painful but short here. Even the Gruden-haters in town are starting to wish he was back.

 

[saintfool]

i just need one good week out of him. i can then think of trading him for someone or draft picks.

 

[bjabrad]

noticeable tick up in the FBG rankings for Freeman. is there some news here?

May be he is getting closer to showcasing his lack of ability. That dude will suck and suck bad. Josh Johnson, who is better, will get benched becasue he couldn't get it done. Freeman will then suck even worse but the blame will go everywhere but Freeman becasue they wasted a 1st on him. This storyline is already written. The only way Freeman doesn't play this year is that they know what I know and that is if you put him in this year everyone will see that he is no better than Johnson.

This seems spot on. I'm nominating FavreCo as the next Nostradaumus if this plays out the way I think it will.

 

[murzman]

noticeable tick up in the FBG rankings for Freeman. is there some news here?

May be he is getting closer to showcasing his lack of ability. That dude will suck and suck bad. Josh Johnson, who is better, will get benched becasue he couldn't get it done. Freeman will then suck even worse but the blame will go everywhere but Freeman becasue they wasted a 1st on him. This storyline is already written. The only way Freeman doesn't play this year is that they know what I know and that is if you put him in this year everyone will see that he is no better than Johnson.

This seems spot on. I'm nominating FavreCo as the next Nostradaumus if this plays out the way I think it will.

I by no means have the qualifications to be a judge of football talent and ability and I won't even pretend. I guess I trust the NFL scouts, management and coaches for that - which is who made Freeman a first round pick. In saying that, I still have to think he has the opportunity to make it in the league despite reports of weight gain and lack of studying. That being said, FavreCo's storyline sounds pretty spot on for many situations in the NFL.

 

[murzman]

Updates:

Published Fri Oct 16 10:45:25 a.m. MT 2009 (KFFL) Charlie Campbell and Jim Flynn, of PewterReport.com, report Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman nearly entered the team's Week 5 game when the score got out of hand. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said the team did not want the first defense Freeman would face in the league to be the Philadelphia Eagles. The coaches have been pleased with the improvement Freeman has made so far. Freeman said he is prepared if the Buccaneers call on him this season.

Published Fri Oct 16 2:36:00 p.m. MT 2009 (Rotoworld) NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports that "people in the (Bucs') organization" expect first-round rookie Josh Freeman to take over as the team's starting quarterback by as soon as Week 9.

Published Tue Oct 20 7:18:00 a.m. MT 2009 (Rotoworld) Bucs coach Raheem Morris "seemed resistant" about the idea of putting rookie Josh Freeman into the game Sunday because of the short week.Analysis: The Bucs are losing a day of practice as they travel to London to take on the Patriots. Freeman will again play behind Josh Johnson, but that could change as soon as Week 9 when the Bucs come out of their bye. NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reported last week that a change might happen if the Bucs enter their bye winless.

 

[oso diablo]

thanks for the news.

i just don't see that Josh Johnson is the Bucs' problem, and i don't see how going to Freeman helps.

 

[gump]

As I've been saying for 2 months now...expect to see Freeman for the 2nd half. The FO has to see if their 1st round investment has anything.

By the way...he may end up stinking....but the above comparison to Young and Russell doesn't fly. From all reports, Freeman is an intelligent, responsible young man with a good head on his shoulders.

 

[moderated]

By the way...he may end up stinking....but the above comparison to Young and Russell doesn't fly. From all reports, Freeman is an intelligent, responsible young man with a good head on his shoulders.

good post.Freeman is considered a cerebral quarterback, no comparison with Young/Russell besides there skin color.I remember some on here comparing Leftwich to Mike Vick before they saw Leftwich play for the same reason which was bizarre.Most on here don't watch any college football and know nothing about players until they see them in the NFL.

 

[Football Jones]

The Bucs have been disappointed in Freeman's work ethic (preparation) & while he has potential, Johnson is their best prospect, IMO. I've watched Freeman quite a bit & I'm pretty lukewarm on him. He'll very likely get an opportunity sometime this season, though. We'll see.

Not exactly sure how it'll shake out, but I believe Johnson will be their starter at the end of the 2010/beginning of the 2011 season.

 

[Norman Einstein]

all i remember is as bad as the huskers were over the course of the last 3-4 years, a freeman lead wildcat team never beat them...

even in the horrendous 2007 season where the huskers allowed career games from Daniel (6-41), Reesing (39-76), and even Cody freaking Hawkins (51-65)....freeman was blown out (73-31)....the lone husker win in the last 7 of that season...

and last year he was benched and the backup took over...

he's lacking a little upstairs imo...

 

[gump]

Word earlier in the month was that he was putting on weight instead of getting in better shape. His study habits have been questioned and he was a project to begin with. Everything about this guy screams bust of epic proportions.

The Bucs have been disappointed in Freeman's work ethic (preparation)

Do you guys have links to these thoughts? I haven't been on the Bucs boards much, but word of mouth in Tampa is that Freeman gets to the 'office' at 6 AM every day and works like few others on the team.

 

[JHicks22]

Word earlier in the month was that he was putting on weight instead of getting in better shape. His study habits have been questioned and he was a project to begin with. Everything about this guy screams bust of epic proportions.

The Bucs have been disappointed in Freeman's work ethic (preparation)

Do you guys have links to these thoughts? I haven't been on the Bucs boards much, but word of mouth in Tampa is that Freeman gets to the 'office' at 6 AM every day and works like few others on the team.

Really would like to see links saying these negative things...

 

[WFR]

I wonder how Freeman will affect Winslow's production?

 

[travdogg]

I wonder how Freeman will affect Winslow's production?

I think Winslow has proven he can produce with any QB throwing to him. I mean the best QB he has ever played with is Derek Anderson.

 

[Retire_Already_Oscar]

Hated the Freeman pick. Believe he should went Round 3 or later, but again an instance of a team falling in love with measurables rather than a good football player.

I think he's 3-4 years away if he ever gets it. I think they ought to see what they have in Josh Johnson for a season before handing the reins

 

[murzman]

I think they ought to see what they have in Josh Johnson for a season before handing the reins

I know its only been 4 games for Johnson, but he already has 8 interceptions and 7 fumbles. I really can't see how they don't plug in Freeman now after their week 8 bye.

 

[Capella]

Starting next Sunday.

at those comparing him to Jamarcus. They are both black and tall. That's all they have in common.

He actually is said to be quite intelligent. There was a great article on Yahoo about him back in August, where Josh broke down a series of plays he ran in a pre-season game. It was great stuff, and it made me believe he has the capacity for the position. Can't find the article now though.

 

[sparkky]

Starting next Sunday. at those comparing him to Jamarcus. They are both black and tall. That's all they have in common.He actually is said to be quite intelligent. There was a great article on Yahoo about him back in August, where Josh broke down a series of plays he ran in a pre-season game. It was great stuff, and it made me believe he has the capacity for the position. Can't find the article now though.

I've been wrong about guys before. this may well be just another "miss" on my part. but I'm from Missouri, "SHOW ME".

 

[Capella]

I don't get the Johnson love either. Does anybody watch the games? He's terrible.

 

[Capella]

Starting next Sunday. at those comparing him to Jamarcus. They are both black and tall. That's all they have in common.He actually is said to be quite intelligent. There was a great article on Yahoo about him back in August, where Josh broke down a series of plays he ran in a pre-season game. It was great stuff, and it made me believe he has the capacity for the position. Can't find the article now though.

I've been wrong about guys before. this may well be just another "miss" on my part. but I'm from Missouri, "SHOW ME".

I'm not saying he's going to be great, but he has a lot of talent and seemingly, a lot of intelligence. He has a chance, although the team around him blows.I sort of wish they would just hold him out a while longer. This team could get him killed.

 

[Banger]

what type of QB is he? A thrower? Runner?

 

[sparkky]

from what I saw and recall from seeing him in college at K-State he was more "athlete" than "qb".

but maybe that's just the games I saw.

is there a college stat geek that could post his rushing and passing stats from college when he was the starter?

Capella,

tell me about "getting him killed". Cassell is one tough SOB in my book.

signed KC Chiefs fan. LOL

 

[Capella]

Capella, tell me about "getting him killed". Cassell is one tough SOB in my book. signed KC Chiefs fan. LOL

Oline hasn't been as good as expected. In their defense, the best lineman (Faine) missed 4 weeks and no opponent has had to respect the passing game, so they've teed off. Still, tough situation for an inexperienced rookie to step into.

 

[Da Guru]

Strengths

So why is a quarterback like Freeman even being mentioned as a possible first-round pick? The first, and most obvious, reason is his size. Freeman stands 6'6" and tips the scales at 250 lbs., and that's not with a Jared Lorenzen-type build, either. Freeman is rock solid and very difficult for safeties and even some linebackers to bring down.

Second, the young man has a howitzer attached to his right shoulder. I'd describe it more for you, but video is the only way to bring justice to this point. See below. By my calculations, he released that ball at his own 19 yard line, and the receiver caught it at the opponent's 20 yard line, over 60 yards in the air.

Weaknesses

Now that I've brought you reasons why he could be an NFL quarterback, we have to address his downside. Obviously he never led K-State to any great success -- the Wildcats were 17-20 in his three seasons in Manhattan -- and some have whispered that his leadership qualities may be lacking. Take that for what it's worth. He's just not a rah-rah guy.

When Freeman has time to throw, he stands tall in the pocket and steps into his bullet-like throws. However, it doesn't take much pressure before he panics. When he panics, his mechanics have a tendency to break down, which leads to the errant throws Dr. Saturday was talking about. Also, he tends to make bad decisions, trying to make a throw he has about a 10 percent chance of pulling off rather than a safer throw. Finally, although this aspect improved tremendously this season, Freeman isn't always particularly adept at making touch throws. He's prefer to show off his howitzer by zinging the ball at his receiver.

Overall, Freeman's NFL potential is an enigma to me. If Freeman's demons are only mechanics, good coaching may very well make him a star in the NFL. If it's a mental thing that can't really be fixed, he'll never be better than mediocre.

 

[bigums]

Strengths

So why is a quarterback like Freeman even being mentioned as a possible first-round pick? The first, and most obvious, reason is his size. Freeman stands 6'6" and tips the scales at 250 lbs., and that's not with a Jared Lorenzen-type build, either. Freeman is rock solid and very difficult for safeties and even some linebackers to bring down.

OC Olson accidentally mentioned that he was up to 270. He tried to backpedal, but still admitted he's at least 260. He's had conditioning issues dating back to college (failed conditioning tests) and it doesn't look like he's figured it out yet. He looks like he's exploding out of his helmet in this pic and those arms don't look rock solid to me: http://www.pewterreport.com/img/articleIma...reemanSmall.jpgThe comparos to Russel are more than tall and black. Both have conditioning/weight issues. Both have big arms but questionable heads/decision making. Josh appears to be a little more athletic, but we'll have to wait and see how that translates on the field. Big difference is that Jamarcus was a winner in college, while Freeman had a sub .500 record and even got blown out by Nebraska during a season when PAL teams could have given them a game. Both went to organizations that have pretty shoddy leadership right now and that's probably the death knell for either.

I'd love it if he proves me wrong, but everything about him just seems bleak to me.

To those asking for a link about his study habits, Pewter Report mentions it here: http://www.bucscentral.com/general-news/bu...itz-recognition

Fox picked it up here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/1016517...eek-4%27s-games

 

[JHawk]

from what I saw and recall from seeing him in college at K-State he was more "athlete" than "qb". but maybe that's just the games I saw. is there a college stat geek that could post his rushing and passing stats from college when he was the starter? Capella, tell me about "getting him killed". Cassell is one tough SOB in my book. signed KC Chiefs fan. LOL

Well I can come up with his stats vs. the Jayhawks:2006 -- 22/44, 244 yards, 0 TD's, 3 INT's, 3 fumbles lost (Kansas won 39-20)2007 -- 31/48, 305 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT's, 1 fumble lost (Kansas won 30-24)2008 -- 22/37, 207 yards, 0 TD's, 3 INT's, 1 fumble lost (Kansas won 52/21)I admit I am biased, but I don't think he is a good quarterback at all. Maybe a decent tight end, but his decision making is horrible.

 

[sparkky]

Well I can come up with his stats vs. the Jayhawks:2006 -- 22/44, 244 yards, 0 TD's, 3 INT's, 3 fumbles lost (Kansas won 39-20)2007 -- 31/48, 305 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT's, 1 fumble lost (Kansas won 30-24)2008 -- 22/37, 207 yards, 0 TD's, 3 INT's, 1 fumble lost (Kansas won 52/21)I admit I am biased, but I don't think he is a good quarterback at all. Maybe a decent tight end, but his decision making is horrible.

well, he's consistent. he's got that going for him. any rushing stats?

 

[Grahamburn]

In the presason I felt like he was the kind of guy that will make a throw that makes you go "wow," and then he'll do something completely idiotic on the very next play.

I obviously hope he figures it out at this level. It would be nice to have a franchise QB in Tampa.

 

[gump]

To those asking for a link about his study habits, Pewter Report mentions it here: http://www.bucscentral.com/general-news/bu...itz-recognition

Thanks for the link. If this is the case, you have to wonder what the heck Doug Williams is doing...as he's reportedly his father-figure in Tampa.

 

[bigums]

In the presason I felt like he was the kind of guy that will make a throw that makes you go "wow," and then he'll do something completely idiotic on the very next play.

I obviously hope he figures it out at this level. It would be nice to have a franchise QB in Tampa.

PERZACTLY! He's got a cannon, for sure. His penchant for INTs in a passer friendly conference makes me more than a little skeptical, but I'm with you. I hope he does figure it out. Who was our last real franchise QB? Vinny?

 

[JHawk]

Well I can come up with his stats vs. the Jayhawks:2006 -- 22/44, 244 yards, 0 TD's, 3 INT's, 3 fumbles lost (Kansas won 39-20)2007 -- 31/48, 305 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT's, 1 fumble lost (Kansas won 30-24)2008 -- 22/37, 207 yards, 0 TD's, 3 INT's, 1 fumble lost (Kansas won 52/21)I admit I am biased, but I don't think he is a good quarterback at all. Maybe a decent tight end, but his decision making is horrible.

well, he's consistent. he's got that going for him. any rushing stats?

2006 -- 8 rushes for a net -12 yards (sacked 4 times)2007 -- 4 rushes for a net 2 yards (sacked 1 time)2008 -- 9 rushes for a net 27 yards

 

[fatness]

J. Freeman 14/31 205 3 1
Tampa Bay 38, Green Bay 28

 

[sparkky]

the kid certainly didn't embarrass himself today. congrats to him.

 

[Capella]

Could not have been more impressed today with him. Really looking forward to following his starts the rest of the year.

Big arm, quick decisions in the pocket, shrugged off tacklers...great start.

 

[Rovers]

He looked like a rookie, but a dammmmed good lookin rookie. Very impressed by his showing today. He seems to have the arm, the size, the smarts, pretty much the whole package. He's no J Russel, that's for darned sure. More like a Rothlisberger with a better arm and better running ability.

I know it's early, but I DO think he could be the next top five QB in the NFL down the road. Certainly he showed that potential today. Rookie mistakes, but... I liked what I saw a lot.

 

[Biabreakable]

Just got done watching highlights of Freemans 1st game.

He answered one question I had about him today. Pass rush awareness.

While I didn't see him do anything 6th spider sense like (Brady and Montana) he at least was aware enough to know pressure was coming from his behind him. He couldn't see it but he kept moving up in the pocket and away from the coming pursuit. Kept plays alive one example being the TD throw to the back of the end zone. A very safe throw also.

I never know if a QB can do this. Some can some can't and if they can't they will never make it. Today Freeman showed he can.

With his althletic ability it does somewhat remind me of Daunte Culpepper. And I agree with Rovers about his upside potential. If Winslow can stay healthy that gives Freeman something a lot of QBs don't have. A elite TE. The offensive line may not have been playing as well as they are capable of. With Freeman in there that could change.

Anyhow only one game. But I liked what I saw so far.

Some negatives were he needs to learn to look off the defense. Saw lots of rookie tunnel vision on his targets. He seemed like he would jerk a bit at the point of releasing the ball. Not sure if that is good mechanics or not but looked somewhat akward to me.

 

[bigums]

Agreed. He looked much better than I expected. The pocket presence was something I really didn't expect based on what I'd seen of him.

It's just one game and the DEF/ST helped quite a bit, but I'm enthused going forward. Stovall and Stroughter looked good with him as well. Pretty young nucleus of guys in that passing game now.