So How Is Josh Freeman?
August 30th, 2010
Before Saturday’s preseason game against the Jaguars, Joe heard the Bucs’ defensive mastermind/head coach asked a question on the Buccaneers Radio Network.
Apparently, since Raheem Morris’ job is not in jeopardy, interviewer/host TJ Rives didn’t pass on any questions of the day. Rives asked Morris whether Josh Freeman would have played that night if the game was opening day of the regular season.
“The young man would have tried to play,” Morris said.
Joe’s not sure what to make of that; the head coach didn’t elaborate.
So just how close is Freeman to being ready?
Joe finds it interesting that none of the mainstream press had any quotes from Freeman out of Saturday night’s game. He is the franchise player, and his injury status is key to the entire season.
That makes it seem to Joe that Freeman was made off-limits to the media. And from Joe’s experience, that could be a strong sign that the Bucs aren’t confident in his opening-day return and don’t want Freeman to say anything that could reveal that now.
It’s all quite mysterious. Joe wouldn’t bet a nickel Freeman is the opening day QB.
August 30th, 2010 at 8:27 am
If he’s not there the first game, then I have faith that JJ could bring us a W. I’d rather have Freeman start his season playing confidently, and making plays, than coming back before he’s ready and throwing the ball away.
August 30th, 2010 at 10:18 am
I m calling Week 2, perhaps Week 3. It really does effect the way you hold the ball.
What’s the rush anyway? I rather him be out an extra week or two than to come back when it hasn’t completely healed.
August 30th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Bingo.
August 30th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Just like when Brady took over for Bledsoe……………
August 30th, 2010 at 11:13 am
JJ’s not going to be perfect, thats why he’s the backup, but I think these last few games he’s proven he can be relied on not to blow games in Freeman’s absence. Now the defense and running game on the other hand…
August 30th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
It would definitely be unwise for the Bucs to bring Freeman back to early. He’s our franchise quarterback, and after all we are playing the Brownies the first week.
Heal-up Josh!
August 30th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Just fyi, looks like Freeman was available to talk to the media after the game.
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/content/josh-freeman-still-banged-remains-optimistic
August 30th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Joe here,
Gibby – Observing him and talking to him are two different things.
August 30th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Joe, that article seems to do a lot of paraphrasing along with observing however. And I may be no beat reporter, but isn’t any player fair game for an interview in the locker room once it’s open to the media? That was always my sense of the situation when listening to post game interviews on the Bucs Radio Network.
I’m not surprised that no one really digged for Freeman quotes postgame. An injury update can be had during the week, especially so more closer to reg. season. Why waste your time as a reporter not getting quotes about the actual game played during the interview time when you can just get that information later when its more relevant/time appropriate?
August 31st, 2010 at 2:17 am
Really? It’s not like he can do more damage to the thumb by throwing the ball. The only thing that could make his thumb worse is hitting it on another helmet. If I fractured my thumb hitting it with a hammer, I could do more damage hitting it again, but not by swinging the hammer with it. If the swelling is down, and he can grip the ball, he should throw now, get used to the feel, and play the game. Everyone’s acting like his thumb is gonna get deformed and he’ll never be able to throw again if he plays with a fractured thumb.