Don’t Blame Byron Leftwich
September 24th, 2009
Let’s be frank: The Bucs have been horrible the first two weeks of the season. So much so some even invoked the name of the putrid Detroit Lions.
But as Joe Henderson of the Tampa Tribune points out, Bucs fans cannot pin the losses on Byron Leftwich.
Sure, Leftwich had a pathetic pick-six last week that helped put the Bucs in a hole they couldn’t climb out of. But the loss was hardly Leftwich’s doing.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as we know, have many problems – many, many, many problems.
Byron Leftwich, however, is not one of them.
This may come as a shock to those screaming for the head of the Bucs’ starting quarterback because, as we all know, the backup can always do better than the guy who is actually playing. It’s an understandable sentiment because fans are angry with the 0-2 start. But it ain’t Leftwich’s fault.
Joe does know this: Few quarterbacks can take the beating that Leftwich has taken without collapsing at some point in pain and injury. If the Bucs don’t get better up front for Leftwich, Joe is frightened to think what might happen if Josh Johnson, or worse, Josh Freeman has to play.
September 24th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Leftwich takes alot of hits because he is immobile. He is part of the problem because he is inconsistent. Unfortunately he is our best option at Quarterback. Our defense needs an offense that will not turn the ball over. Also run the ball, run the ball, and run the ball. Not because that is the strength of our offense, it is to eat up the clock. The sooner we get the Giants lose over with, The better.
September 24th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Agree with Joe Henderson 100% I don’t get the angst at all for Leftwich after these 2 games. He has hung in the pocket and took some brutal shots and thrown the ball down the field. McCown, for all his athleticism, would have been sacked about 12 times already, and checked down on all his passes.
September 24th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Joe, you are dead on with this point. Before the season we were all scared that the Bucs were done because we had Leftwich and McCown as QB choices. Now Leftwich and his offense are the NUMBER FOUR offense in the NFL!!! After the first two games we now know that the defense is our Achilles Heel. Picks shouldnt happen, but they do (Favre lovers listening??), you move on. But if the defense would just tackle, and finish plays, then we can win games. Buc Ball-Strong Offense/Weak Defense, its almost Bizzarro World NFL here in Tampa..whats next, running back kickoffs multiple times in a game?
September 24th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Imagine if Leftwich connected on his overthrows. Just imagine. Now back to reality. 24-24 as a starting QB, who is tough, no doubt, but apperently that is not enough. He plays like a .500 QB.
0-2 as a Bucs starter. “but it ain’t Leftwich’s fault” maybe but at times he hasn’t really been helpful either? 0-2!
Joe this is what the 10th article on this subject? You must have trouble sleeping with thoughts of the Josh’es under center. My suggestion is have a Caybrew (possibly with a chaser), take some NyQuil, and just be greatful its not you being protected by this OL… cheers!
September 24th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
buc fan south, I’ll take multiple kick returns in a game!