Amidst all the gloom and doom for Josh Freeman taking over the starting quarterback job, Joe has found someone who thinks Freeman is not only ready and special, but a leader in the huddle, too.

That someone is Earnest Graham.

Speaking Tuesday evening on 1010 AM, Graham told host J.P. Peterson that Freeman is the real deal. And that was the day before Freeman was named the starter.

“Josh has definitely been getting more reps in practice. And he’s been looking great. I mean he looks like a pro quarterback,” Graham said. “From his stature, to the way he releases the ball, how quick he gets the ball out, the way he operates in the huddle, I think the guy’s ready.

“I think when that time comes Josh Freeman’s going to do a great job. He throws one of the most catchable balls. I mean, if you’re a receiver out of the backfield, it’s always 100 percent of the time a tight spiral. He throws the ball without having to force any velocity on it. He doesn’t force  it…It’s always a tight spiral and it’s always in a great spot. I mean he throws a catchable ball every time.”

The quote almost doesn’t do Graham’s comments justice. Graham’s voice inflections were those of a guy extraordinarily impressed with Freeman. (Joe tips his cap to Big Papi for the audio.)

Joe sure hopes Graham is miraculously correct, and Freeman is indeed ready.