Pressure!
July 24th, 2010
There are quite a few Bucs that should be concerned about their immediate futures. Linebacker Barrett Ruud, for example, is in the last year of his contract amid rumblings from some circles that he’s not an elite middle linebacker.
Cadillac Williams may be under a little pressure, as the jury is still out if he can get through another season on his reconstructed knees.
So Joe found it a bit surprising that Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports, in a list of NFL players under the most pressure, has included Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, QB Josh Freeman
In Detroit, Matthew Stafford showed people enough that the fans are starting to believe they finally have an answer at quarterback. Same goes for Jets’ Mark Sanchez. As for Freeman, the third of three first-round picks in the 2009 draft, the Bucs did a good job to get Freeman 10 games of action last season, which he desperately needed. The problem now is that the Bucs haven’t done as good a job as the Lions and Jets of surrounding their young QB with offensive talent. That means that Freeman (and the Bucs fans) must be patient. Fortunately, Freeman is a kid with his head on straight and has a good family foundation to get him through tough times. But there’s no question, it’s going to be a test.
Joe is surprised by this. While Cole is absolutely correct in that Freeman doesn’t have much to work with (this year) as Stafford and Sanchez, in Joe’s eyes this doesn’t or shouldn’t put any pressure on Freeman.
It’s not like anyone is expecting a playoff run this year. So why should there be any pressure on Freeman? Greg Olson, yeah, he should be under pressure if Freeman doesn’t progress.
Freeman shouldn’t be under any pressure this season.
July 24th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Agree. Someone looking from afar and not thinking about it. Those deadlines are tough to meet sometimes.
July 24th, 2010 at 10:12 am
If the bucs tried they could not have devised a plan putting Freeman at greater risk of a confidence shattering season.
Based upon what they have done, or failed to do, any reasonable person would be hard pressed to blame Mr. Freeman in 2010.
The folks that created this hopeless scenario, however, need to be drawn and quartered.
July 24th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Olson under pressure? Try Mark Dominik and Raheem Morris…
July 24th, 2010 at 10:50 am
They have totally revamped their receiving core.With two top rated rookie receivers,I think he has a lot more to work with than last year.
I would not be surprised if the rookies put up some impressive numbers.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:22 am
I don’t think he should be under pressure by anyone, but he seems like the type of guy that is going to carry everything on his shoulders anyways, so he will create his own pressure.
As far as surrounding him with a good support cast…Winslow returns, Stroughter returns, and they drafted two recievers which were considered by most experts to be in the top 5 of the draft. Some would even say that besdies Dez Bryant, we got the top two recievers in the entire draft. As long as we get Penn in here, I think he has a very capable supporting cast.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I think Cole is very astute. He realizes that coach Morris and Freeman are a package deal. As the losses and interceptions mount, so wont the pressure from the stands at Raymond James. Freeman will feel the pressure…Trust me.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:35 am
An NFL QB who isn’t under pressure to win and perform well?!? Last time I saw one of those, he was riding a unicorn
July 24th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Joe wrote: It’s not like anyone is expecting a playoff run this year.
We’re NOT? :O
July 24th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Well, the only way they’re winning more than 4-5 games this year is if Freeman progresses a lot as a QB. That’s some pressure.
And he’s certainly got more pressure on him than anyone else playing for the Bucs.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Freeman’s under pressure?????
Did Donald Penn sit on him again? 😉
July 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Actually the one MOST under pressure is McCoy – will he sign before training camp?
ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Speaking of pressure – what about TJ? Can he stay clean this year? Talk about pressure!!!!!!
July 24th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Raheem, Freeman, the rookies, Talib, T-Jax and Geno Hayes, Stylez White are safe.
Greg Olson, Barrett Ruud, J. Trueblood, Sabby Piscatelli are not safe. There that is AT LEAST 4 excuses right there.
-Freeman has no one to throw to. Excuse #5
-Freeman’s line stinks as pass protection. #6
-The running is terrible. #7
-Clayton Dropped another pass. #8
-Jim Bates screwed up the defense SO BAD, that it is taking 2 seasons to recover. #9
-Barber and T-Jax get burned, where is Sabby? Sabby should have been there. #10
-Gruden’s destroyed the team so bad that it is taking 2 years to recover. #11
-The refs are against us. #12
-Ruud is at fault for the other 10 defenders not being able to stop the run either. #13
-The WRs aren’t running their routes, which is why Freeman threw another INT. #14
-The other team had a really good defense, what do you expect from a team re-building through the draft on path to become perinial Super Bowl contenters that will run deep into the play-offs year after year. #15
Which reminds me… did Dungy run deep into the playoffs year in and year out??? Hell no, his teams would get blown out in the playoffs.
July 24th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Excuses #6 and #7 are why I question signing Penn to a long term deal.
-Freeman’s line stinks as pass protection. #6
-The running is terrible. #7
I don’t think those excuses are that far fetched.
You are right about the first 4 not being safe, and I would add Clayton to that list. If he’s cut before the season begins, that removes excuse #8.
July 24th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I was actually not being serious about Greg Olson, Barrett Ruud, J. Trueblood and Sabby Piscatelli. There is a reason why they aren’t liked by the same fans who really are excited about Raheem.
It’s no secret.
July 24th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Freeman will feel pressure alright….coming right up his blindside from the position vacated by Donald Penn after he holds out….
July 24th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Pressure is a good thing. It makes us work longer, harder, smarter. It keeps you going when you want to quit. Pressure is the name of the game. When you can relax under pressure and still deliver, that is when you become a champion, like Peyton Manning. Josh under a whole helluva lot of pressure, just like Raheem and the entire team. They had their Mulligan last year, and it’s time to deliver some results and improvements. If they pull the same crap that they did last year, like Eric says, their will be a lot of bags packed at 1 Buc Place.
July 24th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Mush face — If Penn plays the first regular season game will you agree to never post on this website again?
July 24th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
C’mon now we can’t lose Mr. Mushmouth, he is a valuable contributer to Joebucsfan.com.
July 24th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Well if he is right we will not lose him. Time for some of the stupid crowd to put up or shut up
July 24th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Yea, I agree with Eric, Mushy is family. Don’t kick him him out of the House, just send him to his room or make him clean up the kitchen.
Have a cocktail JB and relax, season is almost here.
July 24th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
If he holds out the entire training camp , reports right before the season fat and out of shape , and lines up week 1 just to collect his paycheck you mean??
Penn is going to bolt in 2011, as soon as he can , and who could blame him?? This organization has done nothing but refuse to pay him and disrespect him .
July 24th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Why so hateful Jimbuc?
Geez. Get a chaffing from the soccer modeling?
July 24th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Speaking of Soccer chaffing, that really sucks that ManUre is playing the MLStars in Houston of all places. I wish the Glazers would have had that game here. I’ve never been a real fan but enjoyed the World Cup this year and would have bought tickets for sure to see Landon Donovan and the other all-stars. I can’t help but think how many Brits would have came over to see the game, spend all that money in Tampa, help the economy, showed us Buc fans their sister club. Thanks Glazers, really appreciate that one.
July 24th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Mush face — just further proof that you have no idea what you are talking about:
1. It has been reported that Penn has lost 40lbs, is in great shape. Dom has visited him several times. Penn just said he is loooking forward to the season and complimented the FO for the draft picks
2. Penn will sign a long-term deal during the season if the CBA is resolved or as soon as the CBA is sresolved. Penn is not mad at the team (he is made at the situation) and has said he is indebted to Dom for discovering him. He refers to Dom as “his biggest fan”
All you have to do is read a little and you would know these facts and, consequently, know how dumb it is to keep talking as if Penn will not play, let alone that he will leave the team.
So, how about my bet?
July 24th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
BMA — ManU only paying in MLS cities, but you raise a good point. If the Glazers were really hurting for cash, you can bet ManU would be playing here. Instant sellout with Glazers getting all the gate, the parking and the concessions. They own the team and yet it is not playing here even though they are “broke”?
July 24th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
The evolution of Mush face:
1. Penn will holdout.
(Backpedal, backpedal)
2. Penn will play but be out of shape
Cannot wait to see what’s next . . . backpedal, backpedal . . .
July 24th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Crickets . . . . (LOL)
July 24th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
I agree with you Jimbuc. I think Penn will eventually show up. But still, u never know. if he doesn’t show up and play, we need to sign someone in free agency so Freeman and the O still has a chance this year.
July 25th, 2010 at 1:21 am
@JimBuc, you’re the one backpeddling! You said Penn would be there for mini-camp, then training camp, now you’re talking about him not showing up until the first regular season game. Too funny!
You also said earlier that you didn’t believe Penn had lost weight, but you’re now using his 40lbs weight loss in your arguments.
Unless your name is Donald Penn, you have no idea what he’s thinking. To say, “Penn is not mad at the team…” is completely talking out of your ass! Penn is saying the right things to keep the fans on his side. Dom has lied to him AND called him fat publicly. Simple human nature would lead a rational person to believe Penn is more likely to be mad at the team after all the BS then have put him through. However, unless you’re the man himself, you DON’T KNOW!!!
July 25th, 2010 at 1:43 am
Louie — when you have to resort to making stuff up, you might as well just give up. Never said any of that crap. LOL.
Further, Penn’s latest comment were made at a private camp and yet you think it is all lying to keep fans on his side. LMAO. If you would spend a little time thinking, rather than just typing, you might realize why Penn said that the CBA was to blame. Rather than think though, you would rather twist/ignore facts so that it fits your own anti-Buc/anti-Glazer narrative. Predictable.
Louie, want to take the same bet? How about you put up or shut up?
July 25th, 2010 at 4:15 am
JimBuc, we gotta keep Mushy around. Otherwise, who do we have to straigten out?
July 25th, 2010 at 7:15 am
“the Bucs haven’t done as good a job as the Lions and Jets of surrounding their young QB with offensive talent.”
No, they just brought in 3 NEW WIDE RECEIVERS…considering WR was the largest weakness on the offense, I totally disagree with this comment.
The actual truth is, the media did not see the Bucs make any “splash” moves, but instead, the Bucs quietly used their picks to plug key holes on the team.
Heck, they even took care of the Punter position!
I’m telling you all, including you, Joe, this team is set to surprise a lot of people. Last year was a fluke, at least on some levels. With the unstable (and largely unknown) offensive/defensive schemes, the key injury to center at the start of the year, the suspension of T-Jack, and the injury to Antonio Bryant, everything worked against the Bucs last year.
But these are ALL things that have changed. Every one of them. I fail to see how people cannot expect a huge improvement.
Even the defensive ends are improved…they got rid of Gaines (rest his soul) and Kyle Moore has started to actually play. By putting out #3 overall in the mix, and adding in our 2nd rounder, it will immrove the entire dline play.
On offense, we have servicable RBs. They may not be splashy like the media prefers (although I think Peanut has the potential), but if the offensive line and the passing game improves, we’ll see the running game get better.
As to the offensive line, last year they were told to do certain things, then they were told not to. The Chief of the line was out for weeks, and replaced with a horrible player. They’ve all gotten their weight back down, some (like Penn) are even healthier than before.
Freeman is the real widcard of the offense. He’s doing all the right things in the off season, and I cannot wait to see him on the field. But…in the end, it will be the number of mistakes that bury or prop up this team. If he can limit them, which I hope he can, then there are no limits for the Bucs offense.
July 25th, 2010 at 7:17 am
PS: Penn will not hold out more than a week into training camp.
July 25th, 2010 at 7:21 am
“Dom has lied to him AND called him fat publicly.”
Penn also admitted that he WAS fat…that comment didn’t bother him, and he’s not mad at the team. He simply wants a contract, and is listening to his agent.
But we all know how this will turn out, if we look at previous results of holdouts. He’ll either show up at training camp, or he’ll be benched when he finally does show up. (See Eric Rhett).
I think he cares wnough for the team to show up.
July 25th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Pete- nice post. Yup looks like Louie just joined Thomas on the ” I’ll lie and make things up to support my idiotic viewpoint” club! JimBuc stated CLEARLY and REPEATEDLY( his specialty!) that Penn would not attend OTAs. Everyone on this site knew he wouldnt be here! Mark Domminick even had an article in which he stated that he was ok with Penn not showing up, as he knew Penn was in shape and working out on his own. So again, another slow squadder loses credibility by lying. You guys need ta have another “squad conference” or something, you are starting to fall apart! Lol. Well, at least we aren’t losing much. Not like any intelligent fans took your hate mongering seriously anyway! ” we lost last year, so we are doomed ta lose this year!, meybe forever!!”. Lol. You guys are like Lowgrade John Claytons( is that possible??), base everything on last year’s results. Sorry, but statistically and in the real world, that just doesn’t work. I’m just trying to help you rein in yer panic levels! That way, if the Bucs are greatly improved, you won’t smother under the huge amount of Egg you’ll have on yer faces. I’m trying, but right now, you slow squad boys have an omelet the size of Chevy hanging over your heads!if that thing drops, you’ve buried yourselves! And I’m afraid the shame factor would cause you all to quit posting here.then who am I gonna argue with next offseason?
July 25th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
@Capt.Tim: OTA’s mini-camp and training camp. Re-read my comment, I never said anything about OTA’s. You and JimBuc are experts at twisting other people’s words in an effort to discredit our positions. Why don’t you try being honest and quit wasting our time with your personal attacks?
@Pete: “He’ll either show up at training camp, or he’ll be benched when he finally does show up…”
Hardly. The Bucs have very little at LT right now. That’s the whole reason Penn is able to hold out like he’s doing. Besides, if they somehow find an adequate replacement, they’re not going to want to lose any value they have in Penn in a effort to get some trade value for him.
July 25th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Hmmm, that’s weird not equal sign didn’t show up. I said:
“OTA’s NOT EQUAL (!=) mini-camp and training camp”.
July 25th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Louie- OTA = organized team activities, such as Mini camp. Nice squirm, nice way ta try and deflect- didn’t work. Yer still caught lying. My post still stands! Yer credibility points drop waaaaay down ta zero. But 5 points ta the slow squad for ” creative weaseling”. Case dismissed
July 25th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I would have gave ya 10 points, if you woulda at least gave up a lol for the chevy sized omelet comment. That was funny, don’t care who you are!
July 25th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Louie the HATER! Says:
“July 25th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
@Capt.Tim: OTA’s mini-camp and training camp. Re-read my comment, I never said anything about OTA’s. You and JimBuc are experts at twisting other people’s words in an effort to discredit our positions. Why don’t you try being honest and quit wasting our time with your personal attacks?”
Louie — cannot believe you have the BALLS to type that right below where you completely misrepresent what I have said about Penn.
Shameless.
July 25th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Louie, here and example of the Pot caling the Kettle black:
“@JimBuc, you’re the one backpeddling! You said Penn would be there for mini-camp, then training camp, now you’re talking about him not showing up until the first regular season game. Too funny!
You also said earlier that you didn’t believe Penn had lost weight, but you’re now using his 40lbs weight loss in your arguments”
Louie, did say either of those things?
July 25th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I can’t garantee Penn will hold out . My point is; who the hell could blame him if he does , as bush league as this team has acted while dealing with him. Also, who is going to blame him when he bolts as soon as he becomes a free agent, without so much as a glance back? (which he will, now, thanks to Dumbinik)
July 25th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
I can’t think of too many things I wouldn’t do for $3Million Bucks…
Decorum forbids the list.
July 26th, 2010 at 10:45 am
I prefer to rise above the prsonal insults I see here, and just say that we all have our own opinions, and just because some of us do not agree, that does not invalidate them.
In the end, time will reveal the truth, and I’m fine with that. And although no insults have been directed at me, I would discourage them still.