Time For A Freeman-Jackson Connection
August 15th, 2012
It’s easy to forget that Vincent Jackson and Josh Freeman are still building their chemistry and communication, and it’s easy to forget that the Bucs are running a brand new offense with loads of fresh elements under a first-time offensive coordinator.
But that newness was top of mind at one point in practice today. During an 11-on-11 drill, Freeman eyeballed Jackson on the left flank, and then Jackson turned back for the football while Freeman threw about 15 yards away from him to nothingness down the field. Freeman slapped his thigh. It was one of those moments that seemed to be all about a couple of guys still feeling things out.
On Friday in Miami, Vincent Jackson didn’t catch a pass. And Joe doesn’t recall a ball thrown his way.
There’s plenty of time for Freeman and Jackson to connect before opening day, but Joe would sleep better if Jackson was at least targeted a few times against Tennessee on Friday.
Greg Schiano has talked about using preseason games to “tick mark” things he wants to see individual players and the Bucs do against other teams. Hopefully, one of those ticks is Freeman throwing a good handful of routes to No. 83.
August 15th, 2012 at 6:51 pm
I agree 100% with your assessment. Get the guy the damn ball, Free. Just chunk in his neighborhood and high in the air, just like Stafford does to Megatron.
August 15th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Handful?
Don’t count on it…1 or 2 maybe this game.
August 15th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
At some point we may have to admit that Freeman is just okay. Then we will remember who drafted him.
August 15th, 2012 at 8:01 pm
I hope V-Jax is a beast. He dropped 3-4 balls today. No 1 catches them all, but I’ve been a lil disappointed with Vincent’s hands, so far in camp. We really need him n Free 2 get on the same page. Go Bucs!
August 15th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
@Aahubuc, really…All the eperts in the football world are behind Freeman, but you think he is just ok? Good god man, you are kidding right? I have never heard a QB, ex QB, or any other type of NFL person state such a thing. You guys amaze me sometimes…I expect that kind of post from Thomas and Miguel. You need to go hang out with Hawaiibuc, have a few cold ones, and get ready to see Freeman shine!
August 15th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
@McBuc…..well said.
August 15th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
I’m hoping you’re right. Where we stand right now, though, he is just okay. As in middle of the pack.
August 15th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
I dont think Free is just okay…if it wasnt for him we would have been 6-10 2 years in a row. This is a chemistry problem…once they get on the same page they should be fine.
August 15th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
And, yes, I grasp his POTENTIAL, which is through the roof. Also note the word ‘may’ in my post. I would like to see it realized. I’ve been a Bucs fan since 1983, so you can be sure I will be drinking those beers in my creamsicle Freeman jersey and rooting for him no matter what.
August 15th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Free is finna ball out.
V-Jax was purposely not “highlighted” on drives. The 1st thing Schiano wanted on tape: run the ball. Blount and then Martin. “Buc Ball”
LGB is giving Martin a helluva run for the No.1 gig. Love it!
Red Baron is gonna bust somebody in the game.
August 15th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Free is still young, don’t give up hope.
How many QB’s do we gotta let go; Steve Young, Vinny Testaverde, Doug Williams?
Free is still learning. Personally, I love having a power forward playing QB.
August 15th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Joe:
Did you get a chance to see V-Jax’s 4 drops today (3 against air)?
I hope that was just him slacking because it’s the last day of camp.
August 15th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Chris:
Saw him drop a couple. Also saw him make far more plays than drops.
August 15th, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Jeff Demps will decide Monday on a team…Bucs are front runners, hopefully !
August 15th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Hey Joe, you usually tirade against the fantasy football folks who clamour for playmakers and wide open passing offenses. What happened? I love the idea of a matchup nightmare at WR but the offense should be and will be predicated on smash-mouth running. We have a physical offensive line, 2 great backs and a HC that’s committed to running the ball. Freeman to VJax is exciting in the highlight reels and in fantasy leagues but it represents the “explosive plays” part of the offense, not the bulk of it.
I don’t think we have a good enough defense to come out and just chuck the ball around in the 1st quarter. We need to play conservatively on offense until we get a pass rush or consistency in the defensive backfield.
August 16th, 2012 at 7:20 am
Oahubuc Says:
August 15th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
I’m hoping you’re right. Where we stand right now, though, he is just okay. As in middle of the pack.
.
Consider this, we won a superbowl with a QB eho was far less than average. If what you say turns out to be true, Freeman is still worth having.
But I believe freeman is an elite quarterback waiting to happen. He certainly works hard enough for it. Unlike any drafted quarterbacks we’ve see fail here and on other teams, Josh Freeman is willing to do whatever it takes to become successful.
When is the last time we’ve had a quarterback that leads in the off season, away from the office, the way Freeman does?
Freeman felt his gameplay was off…so what does he do? He doesn’t just try addressing one thing at a time, he goes to a special trainer, he loses weight and he’s still dedicated to getting better.
All while witnessing the destruction and rebuilding of his team. While making due with rookies and young players.
My point is…Josh Freeman has steel flowing through his veins…and that probably makes him the best quarterback the Bucs have ever had.
I believe he will be elite. But it will take time. Time that we fans have to be willing to sacrifice. We’ve never had a QB with his potential before, so we’re not use to doing what it takes as fans.
To me, I figure in a year he’ll know this offense inside and out. In a year, the defense will know each other inside and out. In a year, everything will be falling completely into place.
So anything that happens this year is icing on the cake.
August 16th, 2012 at 7:25 am
Brain,
That works of you never fall behind and if you can actually score running the ball.
Teams got a glimpse of what’s coming this week. They are going to be more prepared next time around. More so the next time after that.
The best running teams also have a good passing game. Period. Pass opens the run; run opens the pass.
The last thing we need is to become one dimensional. If we find that right balance, we’ll have a truly potent offense that teams will fear.
August 16th, 2012 at 8:36 am
Agree. Having the ability to run gives you a much greater chance of success when you do pass. Play action keeps the LB’s honest and gives the QB time. Our ability to run will be the key to a great year for Freeman.
August 16th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Pete Dutcher,
The fade/slant to Jackson should be our go to scoring play inside the 5…agreed. Good defenses will key on us running the ball on 1st and 2nd down and our backs won’t have opportunities to get their momentum forward.
I’m just making the distinction clear between a passing offense and a running offense that includes play action home run balls. At Rutgers Schiano had John McNulty as OC and their MO was pound the rock and create opportunities for downfield throws. We have the personnel (VJax, Benn, OL, Blount/Martin, Freeman) to execute that offense very well.