How Much Will Josh Freeman Improve?
April 1st, 2012
Over the years, Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik always talked about getting “toys” for quarterback Josh Freeman.
A big, shiny toy was delivered last month when Dominik shelled out a lot of cash to grab a legitimate No. 1 receiver in Vincent Jackson.
This transaction has moved many Bucs fans to wonder aloud if the Bucs offense now becomes lethal. That question was posed to ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas in a recent NFC South chat on the four-letter’s site.
Matthew (Tampa)
With Vincent Jackson, how much does Freeman improve?Pat Yasinskas
A lot. He’s got a WR that can get open downfield. Should make the entire offense better.
Freeman may have summed up an opposing defensive coordinator’s predicament in planning for the Bucs when Freeman said to Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan of “Movin’ the Chains,” heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio, “With Mike [Williams], defenses always rolled coverages to him. With [Jackson] lining up for us, now what do they do?”
The key to Freeman’s success is simple: cut down on the picks. Having a target like Jackson should allow more receivers to get open, thus, Freeman shouldn’t be forcing passes into traffic like he did last season.
April 1st, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Great pickup indeed, I’m excited about the upcoming season.
April 1st, 2012 at 1:41 pm
With all the talk about TR has anyone thought of draftin Mo and then drafting Lamichael James 2nd round?
April 1st, 2012 at 1:56 pm
This was the best thing could have done. He will make our WR core better. Williams and Benn our good #2 WR not #1, So adding Jackson just helped him out. I think in the 3rd we take L.Green TE after that we keep K2 this season then release him. L.Green is just as good and is a better blocker who will not miss practice cause of injuries and he won’t be getting paid a big check he doesn’t deserve. Not say Kellen isn’t good just not for what were paying him to only practice thursdays and playing sundays.
April 1st, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Logged in!
April 1st, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Chris Rainey
April 1st, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Canadianbuc,
Mo Claiborne and Lamichael James in 1 and 2 are what I hope for.
It seems to me that with the two duck bucs in the backfield, Blount would still get lots of deserved carries and the bucs would still have a much more dynamic set of running backs.
Plus, our defense would surely be upgraded for the long term
April 1st, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Freeman’s going to be fine by putting him in a running offense that takes the emphasis off of him to make a spectacular play every down. That is why I have no objection to drafting Trent Richardson, even though I would still prefer Claiborne at #5. I agree with Rasta that adding versatility like Chris Rainey, gives Freeman an outlet (hybrid WR/RB) option like Sproles or Percy Harvin.
On that Claiborne/Richardson debate, thats like trying to decide between Kate Upton or Rachel Watson. Pointless! This is one of those situations where you shoot for the moon and land among the stars. The worst thing that can happen to you is something good!
April 1st, 2012 at 3:03 pm
“thats like trying to decide between Kate Upton or Rachel Watson. Pointless! ‘….+A in analogous imagery….I hope Joe can recover soon….
🙂
April 1st, 2012 at 3:22 pm
I guess we are all now in agreement that before VJ the rockstar could not draft a number 1 receiver in 3 drafts.
At least he passed on Mike Wallace to draft Roy Miller in 09. Lol
April 1st, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Freeman will be very good this season. As long as he can get a complimentary 3rd down back to be his safety valve that can make plays. I think Freeman is a lot like Manning being deadly with the playaction. He is also streaky. If he can complete some easy passes early and get his confidence back up he will be a monster with VJax, Williams, Benn, and the new draftee.
April 1st, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Even if VJ and MW have more catches, yards and TDs – Captain Tim will be on here arguing that K2 is our leading receiver. LOL
April 1st, 2012 at 3:45 pm
I’m so excited about Jackson.
I really hope we get something out of Arrelious Benn this year.
As for Mike Williams, he’s been pretty consistent and decent in his first two years.
April 1st, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Anybody remember Free missing wide open receivers. I just hope, he is at img trying to improve accuracy. I think he can do it though
April 1st, 2012 at 4:35 pm
better offense with freeman on the waiver wire!!
April 1st, 2012 at 5:08 pm
i’m excited to see what free is going to do with an upgraded line, an elite v jax, a healthy and experienced mike williams and a benn, and a possible man beast in trent richardson. go bucs!!!
April 1st, 2012 at 5:25 pm
I hope they can work on Freeman’s poor mechanics. I remember when they dissected Tebow’s mechanics and they were a mirror image of Freeman’s. I think he received poor coaching in college and may have left too soon.
A real #1 receiver will open up our offense and we will be able to strike and score quickly which is Josh’s strength. I was amazed even as a rookie how he could move the team the length of the field in 2 or 3 plays. Problem was that nobody trusted him until we were two scores behind in the 4th quarter. Mike Williams is a great #2 receiver.
An improved OL line will also help him by rushing for 1st downs and not sticking him with 3rd and long. That’s why I’m hoping Kalil drops to #5, which will help extend Josh’s career by 3 or 4 years. Tannehill is the wild card in draft and teams are lusting after him because of his fantastic pro day. Someone will make a move to get him and 3 of the 1st 4 picks might go QB.
April 1st, 2012 at 5:26 pm
I want to see 30 TDs against 15 picks, about 300-500 yards rushing and improved consistent mechanics. He’s got all the physical tools, intelligence, weapons, and coaching to make it happen.
April 1st, 2012 at 5:32 pm
Can’t wait to see our receiving corps, K2 included. He’s been doubled every game since he’s gotten here so I’m interested to see if he can produce more explosive plays against single coverage. If he can we’ll be nearly indefensible in the passing game. If not we’ll get his replacement in 2013.
April 1st, 2012 at 5:58 pm
The best thing the Bucs can do for Freeman is to not always have him playing from behind.
April 1st, 2012 at 6:09 pm
I just read that Tannehill is rated equal to RG3 and the Chiefs may trade up to #3 with the Vikings to get him. When the Dolphins hear that they will get into a bidding war to get him.
That would mean the only team between Kalil and the Bucs is Cleveland at #4. Got my fingers crossed. Cleveland may select Richardson, Claiborne or Blackmon first.
http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/3/30/2914288/nfl-draft-2012-robert-griffin-iii-ryan-tannehill-todd-mcshay#add-comment
April 1st, 2012 at 6:25 pm
I felt even before we got VJ that Benn was going to explode on to the scene this year.
I have a feeling it will be VJ at X-Receiver, Benn on opposite outside at the Y. Putting Mike Williams in the Slot. Most importantly putting each receiver into a position they can flourish in (keeping in mind of their skill sets).
Call it a gut feeling, but after the humbleing experience of last years season. Combined with the new available targets, a Full off season to get prepared right, and hopefully better coaching/ play calling this year. All equals into Freeman having a monster year.
The x-factor is the unknown this year. We have the advantage. NO one in the league is going to have a clue what we are running. Making it nearly impossible to predict what will happen next. LOVE IT!
April 1st, 2012 at 6:37 pm
Sensiblebuc:
Not to sensible. Those who have broken down the film have said that Mike Will got the doubles – if that is true – since it is basically impossible to dedicate 4 of your 7 coverage men to just 2 players – when there are 5 eligible receivers – Winslow was not doubled very often .
He just cant get open without interfering.
April 1st, 2012 at 6:54 pm
It just makes more sents to trade down with a Jacksonville Miami or Carolina and gain another high 2nd round pick. Then we can pick up Stephen Gilmore in the 1st then use two 2nd round picks the first on a Safety since Sean Jones is a FA and to pick that high in the 2nd we can get a good Safety like Harrison Smith. Then use the other on a RB like Lamar Miller/ LaMichael James or visd versa. Then we can use the 3rd round pick for TE Ladarius Green to eventually take K2 spot in 2013 and 5th round Drake Dunsmore he be a good FB to replace E.Graham and compliment E.Lorig and he played TE/RB so he can be used like a mike alstott type of player he can catch, block, and run.
April 1st, 2012 at 7:05 pm
I actually think they need to re-sign Graham as the third string back. When he’s healthy, he can produce.
April 1st, 2012 at 7:09 pm
@kujoolw84 How could you even mention Carolina in a possible trading partner for the 5th pick why in the world would we want to give them a stud in either Trent or Mo???????
April 1st, 2012 at 7:13 pm
The next 22 days will be very interesting to say the least!
April 1st, 2012 at 7:15 pm
941-Bucs:
I agree regarding the Benn comments, but I would expect Williams to be the Y and Benn in the slot. It’s a position that he excelled in at Illinois, and he has the YAC numbers/ability that he can handle the contact. Of course, he must first catch the ball when thrown to him…
April 1st, 2012 at 7:18 pm
@Thomas
You’re going to have to show me a link for that bro. That’s not what I saw.
April 1st, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@canadianbuc
Carolina would probably go D there offense is fine, but I agree don’t want to trade with the enemy lol. Really what I’m hoping is we can trade with Miami the mabey trade again with the Cowboy or someone before pick 15. Getting 1 or 2 more 2nd round picks would be great.
April 1st, 2012 at 7:57 pm
@ Kevin
Because at the NFL level. Benn has done a better job on the outside over Williams.
It seemed ( to me anyways) that Williams most produced when he is on quick slants, flag, and digs Routes (Short to Intermediate)etc.
Benn seemed to excel better at posts and go routes( Mid-range to Deep).
I didn’t follow either in school. I am simply judging by what i see on the field.
April 1st, 2012 at 8:36 pm
I don’t care whether Dominic gets players through the draft or free agency. Who cares as long as we have the horses.
Over the years we had a lot of free agents who contributed mightily to our cause. (brad Johnson for one)
Jackson and hicks are going to be huge IMO, far bigger impact than whoever we draft – unless we get TR who could contribute right away ala caddy.
I hope free realizes his problems were greater than Williams being double covered. I think schiano will impress upon him that was not the case.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Thomas- don’t be a total dumbass
2009- 77 receptions
2010- 66
2011- 75
He has lead the team in receptions 3 years in a row. Look it up.
In fantasy land, where you drift around hating Raheem for very suspect reasons (ahem) forever
Who do you think caught more passes for the Bucs?
All the stat sheets, Buc sites and Wiklopedia tend to agree with me
April 1st, 2012 at 9:02 pm
For one reference:
Read the quote above: Ryan doesn’t say ” that team’s were rolling their coverages to Winslow.”
That is your imagination.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:10 pm
I guess you also don’t think that Winslow played in the ProBowl in 2007.
I saw you trying to dispute Penn played in the ProBowl
Have you total lost it? I know your rediculious lil hates have taken you pretty far from mainstream- but kinda hard to dispute facts!
Although it is funny to watch the Zombies follow you- with no idea who’s right!
Let me help Zombies! Try ” Kellen Winslow Jr” on Wiklopedia!
Played in Probowl 2007( any other Buc TEs done that since Giles)
Has lead Bucs in receptions 2009, 2010, 2011.
That’s every year he’s been here
Sad
April 1st, 2012 at 9:17 pm
In 2010 Winslow had 1 more reception than Williams – but Williams had 964 yards receiving and 11 TDs; to winslows 730 and 5td.
Nobody would call Winslow your “leading receiver” with that statistical discrepancy.
Again, last year Winslow had less yards and TDs but had 9 more catches – very misleading to call Winslow “leading receiver.”
In fact, when espm lists receivers they do it by yardage.
Winslow caught the most balls, barely, but his average is so low and he catches so few TDs – he is not the leading receiver.
Winslow has averaged since he has been here:
4 catches, 45 yards per game; and A whopping 3 TDs per season.
Very average and that is why Winslow has never sniffed a pro bowl since he has been here, despite being the #1 or #2 receiving option.
The fact that he has led the team in receiving with those numbers speaks to how poor our passing game has been not how valuable Winslow is.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Noise, noise, noise. Sullivan overall, and Ron Turner as QB coach will refine and help Josh. New Thread @Joe, @admin…whichever.
Josh will be good, add weapons. TRich, 2nd rd CB., 3rd rd LB. Trade down at worst. No Kalil.
New Thread @ Admin…………
April 1st, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Thomas2.2 Says: April 1st, 2012 at 6:37 pm
Sensiblebuc:
Not to sensible. Those who have broken down the film have said that Mike Will got the doubles – if that is true – since it is basically impossible to dedicate 4 of your 7 coverage men to just 2 players – when there are 5 eligible receivers – Winslow was not doubled very often.
——
Actually, he didn’t have to be. Olson was pass-happy but it was mostly short passes. The field was so crowded it didn’t take much effort for defenders to get in the way.
Winslow had a down year last year, but it was still an acceptable year. He still ranks near the top for catch-passing tight ends.
Some people around hear forget how long we went without a good pass catching TE…and how many years our TEs were injury prone.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Nicks will greatly help Josh by giving him more time. Drew Brees always has all day to throw, while last year, Freeman was always running for his life.
April 1st, 2012 at 11:33 pm
Again with the not posting. .
April 2nd, 2012 at 12:08 am
@ Thomas
“Not to sensible. Those who have broken down the film have said that Mike Will got the doubles – if that is true – since it is basically impossible to dedicate 4 of your 7 coverage men to just 2 players – when there are 5 eligible receivers – Winslow was not doubled very often.”
You’ve clearly never played defense Tom. You can “man-to-man” double team (two defenders simply following a guy) or “zone” double team a guy (e.g. Cover 2 Man Under). Please educate yourself on the plethora of coverages that are out there and understand that multiple players can be bracketed (doubled) within the same defense: http://smartfootball.com/passing/attacking-coverages-in-the-passing-game
ASSUMING that Mike got the double on every pass play (highly unlikely as that may be) most of the routes Winslow runs (post, stop and go, curl, hook, seam) create a natural double team with the linebackers occupying the middle of the field and the single high safety over the top just as Pete stated. Knowing how ineffective Blount, Lorig, Lumpkin, & Stocker are (and how Free loves throwing to Winslow) linebackers shaded towards the middle of the field, effectively doubling him.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d8255e3ce/Nelson-picks-off-Freeman
April 2nd, 2012 at 12:09 am
More education Thomas:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d82028a3e/Tight-end-101-with-Kellen-Winslow
April 2nd, 2012 at 4:07 am
Thomas- I thought I said quit being a dumbass!
Most Receptions= leading reciever
What? That to hard for you to understand?
No wonder this game had had you so totally confused for so long!
April 2nd, 2012 at 7:09 am
whats gotten you so confused timmy
April 2nd, 2012 at 8:28 am
This may be the only time I agree with Thomas but most catches does NOT mean leading receiver. Leading receiver would be the receiver with the most yardage. It’s just like the QB with the most ‘throws’ doesn’t equal the leading QB…it’s the QB with the most yardage, TD’s etc.
April 2nd, 2012 at 10:28 am
I’m not a K2 hater.
How is Winslow our leading receiver? 2nd in yardage, 3rd in TDs, 6th in yards per catch, 4th in longest catch, 2nd in yards per game, 1st in fumbles, 3rd in yards gained after catch and 2nd in 1st down receptions. He’s ok, but not our leading receiver.
I was the one who didn’t know Penn was a Pro Bowl alternate. Apologies.
April 2nd, 2012 at 10:34 am
After 10 straight losses, I couldn’t bear to watch football anymore. Especially that piece of crap called the Pro Bowl.
April 2nd, 2012 at 11:48 am
Nothing! Leading reciever is – by definition- the reciever who catches the most passes!
What could be clearer than that?
77, 66, 75.
Most receptions every year.
Thomas is trying to by twister again, by spin doctoring even the most rudementary of facts.
I see why he thinks he can. Some of you are fooled.
April 2nd, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Miquel
You know Winslow is a “Tightend”
Not a WR- right?
April 2nd, 2012 at 1:39 pm
@Capt….errr…..no….leading receiver would be the receiver who led in most yardage not catches. If Freeman threw 644 passes for 644 yards would he be the ‘leading QB’ in the NFL just because he threw more passes than anyone else?? This is a no brainer man. You’re just being stubborn. Nothing wrong with being wrong every now and then. Just admit you’re wrong and move on.
April 2nd, 2012 at 10:28 pm
Never fails…put Thomas in his place and he disappears from the thread.