The play of the Bucs this season has fans eating handfuls of Zantac each Sunday.

But the play of rookie quarterback Josh Freeman has been somewhat a relief for Bucs fans, including Joe.

If Bucs fans think they have seen the best of Freeman, hold up, says Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times. He notes how the Bucs haven’t yet opened up the playbook for Freeman.

The Bucs rookie quarterback is at his best when point deficits appear insurmountable. He makes the requisite throws expected of a franchise quarterback. His No. 1 receiver, Antonio Bryant, this week urged coaches to unleash Freeman and all his potential.

Tempting as that might be, the Bucs are trying to resist rushing Freeman along. They will continue to spoon-feed their first-round pick, to an extent, until his experience level no longer requires it.

This is smart, Joe believes.

Whatever and however Raheem the Dream and offensive coordinator Greg Olson have done with Freeman, it’s working. No need to deviate just to pacify a disgruntled wide receiver who likely won’t be with the Bucs next season.