Reunion Talk For Freeman

October 4th, 2013

“Free, stay cool, man. We’re setting them up for the Benn’d around on 3rd-and-long.”

Based on Josh Freeman’s personality, No. 5 and Northern California seem like a great fit.

Greg Olson implied he thinks so, too, per BSPN. The former Bucs offensive coordinator joined the ranks of former Freeman coaches that have stepped up to publicly love him since his release.

“You know, I’ve always been a fan of Josh’s,” Olson said, per ESPN.com. “I have a lot of respect for him, as a person and a player, and it’s unfortunate to me to watch what happened in Tampa … really over the last couple of years.”

Freeman’s best seasons came with Olson as the play caller. With question marks behind starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Matt Flynn was demoted to third-string this week — a reunion in the Black Hole makes sense for both sides.

Joe would love to see Freeman land with Olson in Oakland. What great comedy theater that would be. What would make it interesting, though, is that Olson and the entire Raiders staff are battling to keep their jobs. That might prompt Olson to unshackle Freeman and let him run like he did in 2010.

58 Responses to “Reunion Talk For Freeman”

  1. bucrightoff Says:

    Oakland and Chicago make a lot of sense as backups, but those are clear backup situations. Freeman won’t be the starter long term there because he’ll only be an injury replacement. Cleveland looks like his best shot to start long term, assuming they have interest.

  2. D-Rome Says:

    Is JBF now becoming the official website for the “Josh Freeman Watch”? He is no longer a part of the Buccaneers. Greg Schiano is still a part of this team just like the other players. I’m more interested in hearing about how and why head coach who is 1-9 over his last 10 still has a job. I’m more interested in hearing why so many Bucs fans are willing to accept another rebuilding year when this team was built to win now.

  3. Splengo Says:

    Freeman needs to sign with the Vikings for a ham sandwich – a playoff ready team with all the components except QB. Frazier is a nurturing type of coach that will let Freeman play his style. He needs to stay under the radar for the remainder of the year, learn the playbook, earn team mates respect, then next year compete for the starting job which he should easily win.

  4. WalkdaPlank Says:

    @D-Rome, I agree man. It would be nice to see some articles on Glennon or how the offense is taking Glennon. Or how the TE situation is going.

  5. Bucks_Sam Says:

    I find it funny that Shiano is blasted for cutting this guy, yet a day out he hasn’t landed anywhere?!?

    QB’s win super bowls (Pleading the Dilfer exception clause obviously).

    There are two QB categories. For one the following: Tom Brady, Big Ben, Manning (either), Flacco, Ryan, Newtown, RG3, Luck, Romo, some others. That category is those who wouldn’t last 2 hours on the wire.

    Then there is the other: Freeman, Locker, Hoyer, Kobb, Weeden, Ponder, Flynn, Fitzpatrick, etc.

    Those that are “starters” by default. Gotta have someone toss the ball you know? These guys don’t command 8 million a year, should be getting Manning his helmet, and bounce around the league looking for a whole to plug. They aren’t sought after starters, they are better-then-nothing starters.

    Attach your trailer to a bottom tier QB, and expect to be in the bottom half of the league, watching the playoffs from home.

    What Category is Glennon? No one knows yet, but the vote of the 32 has shown Freeman certainly isn’t in the elite category. Don’t blame Schiano, respect the collective voice of the league.

  6. Capt. Tim Says:

    Yeah, it should be real funny!! Watching Jish go there and start winning games, while we are stuck with the worst coach in football!!

    The real comedy is here.
    “Coach, why is your Team 0-15?”
    “It’s obvious!!! The AC is set on 72!! Not 71!! Plus they ordered pasta that was too thick!! Heil Schiano!!!”

    Yeah, frickin hilarious!!

    Fire Schiano and Dom!
    Now!!!

  7. SeanyMac in SC Says:

    @ D-Rome…agree completely. Well said. Lets close the JF5 book and move on PLEASE!

  8. bucrightoff Says:

    Splengo Says:
    October 4th, 2013 at 9:54 am
    Freeman needs to sign with the Vikings for a ham sandwich – a playoff ready team with all the components except QB
    _______________________________________________________________

    A playoff ready team, with all the components except QB. Hmmm…you know who that sounds like right?

  9. mpmalloy Says:

    This whole fiasco makes me ill.
    This franchise is dysfunctional from the Glazers on down.
    Cold, distant owners who are untouchable in the media
    (unless you want to end up fired like Sileo),
    Ridiculous mercenary attack-dog media
    who put job security above ethics.

    Freeman, as a product of 5 years of this franchise needed
    to be let go…but it didn’t have to end like that.
    I blame Freemans devolution mainly on his environment.
    I predict the kid to kick ass where-ever he goes.
    It’ll be nice for him to get out of the media smog of Tampa.
    I’m not against the move to let him go but the whole
    situation has been unintentionally cultivated for years.

    The main problem this team has is (after the general dysfunctional
    environment) is lack of depth. Where is our depth?
    I’ll tell you where: Trueblood is in Atlanta. Blount and Talib
    are in New England…and don’t forget Bennett, Miller and Dallas
    Clark.
    We sure do let a lot of good players go for some reason…
    …and there’s always a highly publicized rub:
    Bennett was hurt and needed surgery. Blount was
    1-dimensional and Talib was the devil.

    So much bullshit and lack of respect for the intelligence of
    the fanbase that it boggles the mind.
    Reprehensible.

  10. Capt. Tim Says:

    Glennon? That’s easy!’
    Sucks. Like last week. Like preseason. Like college.

    But apparently, he stays in the pocket, doesn’t change the Ac, and eats the right Pasta.

    Sooo, he’s our QB. Heil Schiano!!

    Fire Schiano and Dom!
    Now!

  11. Capt. Tim Says:

    Bucrightoff- nope. Playoff teams have TEs, Slot Recievers, and a coach with some clue how to win in the NFL

    This is a direct quote from NFL X and so expert, Greg Bedard

    “And, in what has been a Greg Schiano staple since his Rutgers days, the Buccaneers’ scheme is outdated, unimaginative and too reliant on short plays. The short and intermediate passing game that is so crucial in today’s NFL is essentially nonexistent in Tampa’s system. It’s difficult to win without it. ”

    Don’t know what to add to that. This was posted here yesterday, under “Rutgers offense”.
    The idiots will blame whatever QB we have playing. But it’s obvious that the scheme is the Problem

    Schianos scheme.

  12. Bobby M. Says:

    Let’s quit acting like Olson is Freeman’s passing savior, he threw 22 ints in yr two of Olson’s offense. WHY?…..The same reason he sucked during the second half of last year, Freeman cant read a defense and teams pick up on what he’s looking for by simply following his eyes. Freeman is a poor man’s version of Carson Palmer, good enough to tempt you but consistently disappointing in the moments that count during the game. SO AT BEST….he’ll have the potential of a slightly above avg QB that can implode if things don’t go his way. Whoever gets him will need a strong locker room similar to the Ravens when they had Ray Lewis because Josh is not Manning or Brady. The Raiders have nothing close to that.

  13. Splengo Says:

    Bucrightoff,

    Left off the part about the coach, conveniently – the major difference between the two teams.

  14. MadMax Says:

    Just now able to get to the forum since the news broke (work is killing me).

    I just want to say SOOOOO GLAD He’s gone!

  15. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @d-rome

    I agree…I asked joe to give us an article on our new safety, Kelcie McCray…
    Joe said…he posts articles that interest him & he will do something on McCray after he sees him pracitce.
    The truth is that we are going to be fed mostly Freeman & Schiano stories for quite some time because they are controversial and drive traffic to the site.

  16. Mr. Patrick Says:

    Let’s not all forget that when Olson was here, everybody hated his offense and wanted him fired

  17. WalkdaPlank Says:

    One big question is, will this defense quit on Schiano like they did on Raheem in 2011? Because that defense flat-out QUIT. Lawnchairs would’ve been better out there, at least they could stop a receiver by making them trip over them or something. And this defense has played well, but the NFL Warden doesn’t like their style and is fining them and threatening suspension, the offense can’t help them out and put points on the board, they are 0-4, and their locker room was just subject to an unnecessary QB drama, and the season looks lost. Does this defense still have a drive to play?

  18. bucrightoff Says:

    There are maybe 3 or 4 teams in the league with better 1-2 options at WR than the Bucs. Same number of teams with a back as good as Doug Martin. The cry of poverty for Josh Freemans weapons is so laughable. Good QBs make their teammates better. Tom Brady is working with rookies and looks just fine. Russell Wilson makes the guys in Seattle consistently look good. Its strange, but being accurate, being able to make multiple reads, and putting guys in position presnap to succeed usually works well. All things Josh Freeman struggles with in his 5th year.

    And Leslie Frazier is a mediocre coach who is probably the worst coach in his division. Better than Schiano? Thats great but that doesn’t mean much. Chud in Cleveland appears better, so does Marrone in Buffalo. Doesn’t make them good coaches, just makes them better than Schiano.

  19. WalkdaPlank Says:

    @Mr.Patrick, because he was predictable and his offense was sloppy. He ran the Benn’d Around far too often, he was always trying to get either the RB or Michael Spurlock to throw the football on a trick pass play that only worked ONCE with Earnest Graham. He thought Kregg Lumpkin was a receiver, and and with LG Blount it was always run up the middle and get stuffed for a 2 yard gain.

  20. MadMax Says:

    I’ll say again, the D is why Im still watching! I like what Im seeing in Glennon too though. But the play calls on both sides still need to be adjusted….how and where that comes from will be the next cut if its not working!

  21. Jason Says:

    Here we go…someone is going to pick this young guy up. Only 25 and we’ve all seen what he can do in the right circumstances and he is going to be good, maybe not great but better than just serviceable. Meanwhile all the Schiano lovers keep saying Freeman needed to go, I’m starting to believe that all those incompletions and picks weren’t completely Josh’s fault since he couldn’t audible out of plays, receivers ran mostly over the top very low percent plays, and this offense is just terrible. If Schiano doesn’t have a drastic change in his coaching style he needs to go!! We need someone who respects men the same way he wants to be respected. If everything coming out of One Buc Place is even remotely true he is one big A$$ who has not and probably cannot adjust to the NFL game.

  22. bucrightoff Says:

    Splengo, Frazier would have been fired last year if they had missed the playoffs, and may again get fired if they don’t turn it around this year. He’s a mediocre coach, and if you say he’s better than Schiano that list includes 20-25 other coaches as well, so major accomplishment there.

    And Capt Tim did you know that most good QBs can make average players look good? Kenbrell Thompkins? Aaron Dobson? Lance Moore? Anthony Gonzalez? Blair White? Austin Collie? These guys are mediocre as can be but had good seasons because of the QBs they had. You think Greg Jennings misses Aaron Rodgers yet? I betcha he does. The quality of QB elevates the quality of the other players.

  23. passthebuc Says:

    I think the Glazers will look to replace the entire regime. If the Bucs start selling off the pieces they collected in the off season, look for the entire coaching staff to follow at years end.

  24. zam Says:

    I like reading about where Freeman may end up. It matters because the Bucs decided he wasn’t worthy of a job in the pros, and it’s interesting to see who disagrees and why. And whether that call by the Bucs is going to prove to be right or not.

    This is a test of the current regime’s decision-making process, so it should matter to Bucs fans.

  25. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @zam

    The Bucs were willing to absorb either all or a great portion of Freeman’s salary and trade him in exchange for a 2015 seventh round pick…out of 31 teams…there were no takers…I think that proves the Bucs right. They didn’t even wait until the trade deadline.
    If Josh is picked up by another team…and I think he will…it will say more about that team than the Bucs.

  26. JB Says:

    I’m not sure that Freeman is that good… look at 2011, same staff as 2010 but not nearly as successful. That being said, his best chance would be a situation like Alex Smith in SF a couple years ago where the coaching staff completely changed the offensive approach to the game (simplified it) to take advantage of his strengths. Given that anywhere he goes he’s going to be a backup though, I’m just not sure they would change their offense just for him.

    Also, does it strike anyone else as odd that Talib and Wright were both suspended for using Adderall last year and then we find out that Freeman has a prescription for it?

  27. Eric Says:

    It is very similar to when we lost Doug. Many people in this town were happy to see him go. Inconsistent. Low completion percentage.

    What happened? Got on a real team with a real coach and realized his potential.

    Same thing may happen with Free. But the raiders aint it. Wonder how much time Drew has left in NO. They are the kind of organization he needs. Sean wouldnt give a damn if the guy ate breakfast or sit him in a suite.

    And they could drive Schiano nuts getting all his Rutgers secrets, like they really need them.

    I’m sorry, he’s already nuts, my bad.

  28. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Steelers

  29. lightningbuc Says:

    Hard to believe Freebow hasn’t been signed already! What team wouldn’t want a QB who has ADHD, misses his own football camp, misses the team photo, misses the opening day team meal in the same hotel he’s staying at, is late for the bus on opening day to the stadum, missed his own football camp, AND is in the NFL drug program.

    No red flags there!

  30. ander Says:

    lol can we cool the freeman talk and move on. good for olson I guess he still likes him since he had his best year under him, but also his worst because in 2011 bucs offense was flat out terrible and so was freeman. now lets see what glennon could do and hopefully they give demps and james some carries cause martin is getting too many carries feels like Cadillac Williams all over again when he was getting overloaded by gruden.

  31. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ JB

    Adderall & Ritalin are PEDs and banned by the NFL without presciption….many atheletes try to get their hands on them by attempting to influence Doctors that they have ADHD.
    I’m not saying Josh doesn’t have ADHD…but I would be interested to know when he was diagnosed….as a child, in College, after he was drafted.

  32. ShutTheBucUp Says:

    2010 was an anomaly. I love how people choose his one year against a weak azz schedule and say “that is who Josh Freeman can be”. He hasn’t shown anything before or since 2010 to add weight to that argument. I wish him the best, but I don’t see him going to any superbowls unless he’s the guy on the sideline holding a clipboard.

  33. Eric Says:

    Amazing these other coaches, besides nut case, have nothing but good things to say about Freeman.

  34. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    I say Steelers because whem Free is allowed to play his way he is like Ben…who is getting up there in years. Team is already built for Free’s style. A year or two under Ben would be the best thing for him.

  35. TBuc_40 Says:

    Didn’t Jeff Garcia come on 620WDAE and say that Free slid on a 3 and 6 instead of diving for a first down when Olsen was OC and that Olsen said Free lacked a “bulldog” mentality? Funny how everyone is jumping on the Free is great wagon now, but when they were coaching him, weren’t quite sold.

    You are correct, except we don’t know when that was. Perhaps Olson told that to Garcia after Freeman’s third game in 2009. There was no context. Very few QBs in the history of the game played with Garcia’s will and willingness to give up his body. –Joe.

  36. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    ShutTheBucUp Says
    “2010 was an anomaly…”

    We’ll see. I’m sure though that if Freeman becomes elite you will blame Dom and Schiano for cutting him.

  37. D-Rome Says:

    This is a test of the current regime’s decision-making process, so it should matter to Bucs fans.

    I understand your point but I would argue the decisions made and lack of decisions made by team management and coaches already demonstrate the current regime’s decision-making process. What does 1-9 out of their last 10 tell you?

  38. Eric Says:

    I cant imagine anyone concluding that Free played cowardly. Many times the man took a pounding in the pocket with nill for protection. Always kept his head up looking to make a play. And in the few games the bucs won while he was here, it was mostly him leading them from behind pulling one out at the end.

    Really amazes me all the hatred folks have for this kid. Belittle his disorder.

    Really sad. Have you people no shame.

  39. Mr. Patrick Says:

    @WalkdaPlank – My point exactly. No credibility there

  40. Mr. Patrick Says:

    Josh Freeman is no longer the QB of the Buccaneers or a member of the team. I suggest we all move on

  41. Bucks_Sam Says:

    Here is a good question for the Freeman supporters…. did any you start him on your FF team? Will you pick him up now he’s riding the wires in every league?

    If he’s good and can be a legit starter on a Playoff bound team, he should be the #1 sleeper in any FF league! Am I right or am I right?

  42. Splengo Says:

    Buc1987,

    Listen, I’m your friend. I’m reading your post and I can tell you’re in the tuck position already. You’re going to flip on Schiano any minute now.

    And that’s all right. We’ll welcome you back home. You just went thru some post-possum depression where you rolled over and played dead for a minute before you knew what was going on.

    After this Eagles game, I don’t want to find you under the porch with Couch Fan and Bucrightoff again all cold and shivering with your arms around each other. Come on out into the sunshine, we still love you!

  43. ShutTheBucUp Says:

    BuccaneerBonzai Says:
    October 4th, 2013 at 11:01 am

    “We’ll see. I’m sure though that if Freeman becomes elite you will blame Dom and Schiano for cutting him.”

    In order to become “elite”, you have to put huge amounts of work into it, something he apparently wasn’t willing to do in Tampa. If he becomes elite elsewhere, then theres clearly something wrong with Tampa because we’ve never had an elite QB, even before Schiano got here.

  44. bucrightoff Says:

    Once again, thinking Josh Freeman is an exceptionally mediocre QB doesn’t mean we love Schiano. Its just while you want to give Freeman 60 games and probably more to decide if he’s a good QB (hint: if you need 60 games, he’s not), you want to fire Schiano after 20. Bizarre logic to say the least. It can’t be said enough, if we had competent QB play we’d be 3-1 or 4-0 right now. Its literally that simple. But we’ve had worst in the NFL QB play, and so here we are. In what world is 8 points of offense a game acceptable? The coaching has to improve on offense, but what more do you want from a defense? Not too many teams in the league have allowed 5 TD in 4 games. In fact, here’s the list:

    Bucs
    Chiefs
    Colts
    Patriots
    Seahawks

    Hmmm, all teams with competent QB, except for the Bucs. Probably explains why they’re 15-1 combined while the Bucs are 0-4.

  45. jose Says:

    The funny thing is that all these coaches NOW come out and say all that great stuff about Josh and how great he was when he played for them but I can guaranty that not one of them is gonna pick him up.

  46. rdbucfan Says:

    Bucright,

    Stop trying to make sense, the RahRah crowd and Josbstraps will never listen. Remember stats are for losers.

    I agree Greg should get 3 years. We sat through 2 horrible years with RahRah and one were we reached Rah’s goal. I’ve never seen a coach set his goal at less than division champs before. That one had me just scratching my head and with what was arguably the weakest schedule in the league.

  47. rdbucfan Says:

    For all of those calling for Schiano to be fired. I remember a disciplinarian head coach right out of college that went 1-15 in his first year. I think he had a couple of guys that are currently on the bucs staff coaching for him. That team has never been the same since he left and the owner made himself the GM.

    I am not in any way comparing Schiano to JJ. All I’m saying is give the guy a chance. He should get a 3rd year.

  48. mvermulm Says:

    I find it funny that one of Olsen’s best friends, Jeff Garcia, said on the radio the other day that he remembered a day when he and Olsen were talking about how Freeman would never be a top guy people wanted to follow because he didn’t lack the fire needed in a leader. A couple of days later and Olsen is singing Freeman’s praises.

    I would not be surprised to see Freeman in Oakland, but if I’m Oakland, I don’t ruin what they’re doing with Pryor right now. I think Minnesota should look into him, because he could help them almost immediately since they just need someone who can throw downfield and open up space for AP. We’ll see.

  49. Architek Says:

    Don’t care.

  50. RustyRhino Says:

    We cut our former first round QB who we just found out has ADHD, we saw some good play from Mr. Freeman and we also saw plenty of not very good play. Our current Head Coach had seen enough of the laidback style Freeman brings to the table. Now the fans and posters here on JBF are all beside themselves as to how it all went down. I for one am GLAD it is done. We don’t have to pray for our QB to hit his receivers in the numbers. Not to say that Glennon is the most accurate QB ever but he sure can not be as inaccurate as our Former QB. Good Freeman has some former coaches speakig up for him. That’s great. Good luck in the future Mr. FREEMAN. I’m so glad this is over

  51. vdubguy Says:

    If he wants to revive his career he will go to a real team with real owners and a real coaching staff and learn from a real qb as a backup. Going to Oakland or Cleveland trying to get a starting gig will destroy any hopes of turning his career around.

  52. Capt. Tim Says:

    Shiano has lied to you. We aren’t running the giants offense.

    We are running his offense. The one that produced a .500 team, is some piss small college.

    If you don’t believe me. Read” the Rutgers offense” posted here two days ago. I copied a section of it in my post above.

    No QB will win in this offense. No one. This team won’t win with his offense.

    If any of you are too dumb to understand that- then keep cheering for Schiano.
    Soon, there won’t be a talented player here. Just a bunch of Rutgers grads.

    It’s nauseating how bad this guy is!!

    Fire Schiano and Dom!
    NOW!!!

  53. PRBucFan Says:

    Hey Timmy how bout you stop acting like a whiney little female and just get over it already?

    HE’s GONE!

    Bitter isn’t better.

    You’ll never learn Ms.Cleo 2.0

  54. Bobby Says:

    @Capt…..Hey….he’s gone. Try to move on. Think happy thoughts Lil’ Tim. Try to remember…it’s only a game. It’s hard when you root against your team. You say they’re going to lose and when they do…you get angry and bitter. That’s strange behavior.

  55. scubog Says:

    Love your posts and outlook Bobby. I’ve been doing this too long to get overly disappointed or outraged anymore. One thing I hate is bullies. Most are really cowards hiding behind their bluster and their gathering of loyal disciples. If his teams were winning game I might give him some slack as I would have with the too casual approach of The Raheem era. His my way or the highway doesn’t play when you lose 9 out of 10. The guy leading the Donner party thought his path was right too. If his failure on the field continues I can’t wait until he’s out of the way.

  56. MadMax Says:

    Well, Im with Capt. Tim on that post he made above! Look where we are….and look at Blount, Talib, and Bennett enjoying success….Its not like you cant look at that and wonder wth is going on?

    Why is it working for them with those teams but not so much here? Better coaching and play calling.

  57. MadMax Says:

    And btw, I dont EVER rot against my Bucs……but I will get ticked the F off when I see BS going on thats hurting my team (which seems to be loaded with talent).

  58. MadMax Says:

    “root”