Bucs Don’t Fumble Away Ball Security Mark
January 1st, 2013
Josh Freeman is the only Buccaneer with ball security issues
The Bucs completed 311 passes this season, and not one was fumbled by the receiver. This, obviously, at least ties a league record, but it was simply a stunning display of ball security.
Doug Martin touched the ball 368 times (receiving and rushing) and only coughed up the ball once, a fumble that wasn’t really a fumble on the goal line in Carolina. Martin’s protection of the ball is almost always overlooked when his great rookie season is discussed.
The “culture change” jibberish is tossed around a lot by media, fans and Bucs brass. And while things have changed in the way the Bucs do things, Joe ultimately only cares about what’s changed on the field. Ball security was a fanatic obsession of the New Schiano Order and they truly were able to change that part of the culture. Fumbles and turnoveres just don’t fly anymore.
This is one reason to keep an eye on Josh Freeman, more specifically how the Bucs push him to improve his ball security. Freeman was tied for the fifth most fumbles in the NFL this season with 10. And Freeman tied for fifth in interceptions with 17. Rest assured Schiano will demand that Freeman gets with the culture change.
January 1st, 2013 at 11:05 am
Martin had an excellent season and will have a great career. Freeman, I believe is what he is. Sunday again was a snapshot of his game. He does enough to tease you but will always do things to frustrate you. Staring down WRs is just what he does and the batted balls are maddening at 6′ 6″.
I don’t know what’s going to happen competition wise but one thing is for sure, the excuses has to stop right now. Regardless of the system or coaches.
January 1st, 2013 at 11:10 am
Schanio/West Virgina
Geno/Josh
Bucs/Chiefs
Swap/Trade 1st’s
January 1st, 2013 at 11:10 am
Great job in ball security this year! It also seemed like there were less penalties than previous years.
January 1st, 2013 at 11:21 am
I am enouraged about the offseason and next season in general. The best thing would be to either keep Sully around for Freman to give the kid time to atually work ith a O/C for moe than a seasn. He is already checking with the Bears hopefully he doesn’t land the gig. We got 3 shining stars in last years draft I don’t believe we saw anything thisyear we can’t xpect to see in years to come. Improved play is on the horizon for the Bucs. We get decet draft positioning, I am very interested to see how this offeason shapes up.
January 1st, 2013 at 11:51 am
Freeman’s fumbles were communication issues with head and hands.
January 1st, 2013 at 1:01 pm
@bwallstreet – Martin juggled not fumbled. And what? Did you have a private lunch with Greg Schiano to determine Martin was “pulled” from the game. Please.
January 1st, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Martin did not fumble against STL, he bobbled it, it never hit the ground.
Funny, Raphael doesn’t show up on this particular thread. There’s no excuse for 10 fumbles and 17 picks.
You can’t fix stupid.
January 1st, 2013 at 4:16 pm
Bahahahaha you are indeed funny
How are ten fumbles and seventeen pick “twisted one way or the other”
And what of it if Martin had ONE more fumble??? How would that at all make this any different???
BTW He bobbled the ball, he did not fumble.
AND he did not fumble the first time either, he clearly crossed the goalie.
January 1st, 2013 at 6:07 pm
All together now. NONE of these ints or fumbles were his fault! Looks like most of the people who like to sing that garbage must have taken the day off. OR the truth hurts!!