Reflecting On Opening Day
September 13th, 2010
It’s been about 23 hours since kickoff, and Joe’s emotions are still running wild. There is nothing to compare to opening day of the NFL season after such a long hiatus. Hope is always alive, and when the good guys win, it’s a lasting rush.
First place!!
As Joe munches his sandwich, he’s trying to take a bird’s eye view of the Bucs. And despite all the great storylines and game situations to dissect, Joe’s brain keeps going back to the franchise quarterback, Josh Freeman.
Yesterday’s game was an extraordinarily gutty performance by Freeman coming off a significant injury and scant time with his receivers in preseason. The kid showed the toughness he needs to be the commanding leader the Bucs must have on that side of the ball.
The defense is far ahead of the offense, comparitively, but the Bucs just seem to be in wonderfully good hands with Freeman, whose legs should carry the offense a long way, as well.
Sure, he struggled. He admittedly had problems with the thumb, but he made a perfect, game-winning throw and looked poised beyond his years. And all that with a collapsing pocket, a subpar running game, newbie receivers and a new injury in his head.
There are plenty to go around, but Freeman gets a game ball from Joe, as well as a copy of the JoeBucsFan.com home game.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I’m with you Joe. Still excited about yesterdays win. Great start to our season and now we go to Carolina where they mat have to start a rookie quarterback, Jimmy Clausen. I like our chances.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Also, according to St. Pete Times, Freeman also had to deal with a car accident on Friday. Those things always rattle me especially when you’re the one who get’s hit, as was the case for Josh supposedly. Can’t deny he’s tough.
One backhanded compliment type thing I will say about Freeman is the dude can RUN. Yet he doesn’t when given the proper opportunity. I like that he stays in the pocket and looks to pass first when he scrambles. But on 4th down or 3rd down when all you need is the first, he has the ability to get it, but seems to be stuck in that “wait for someone to get open” mode. For all his toughness I’d like to see him take a page from Tim Tebow and refuse to be denied a 1st down in scrambling situations.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I think we found a new deep threat in Spurlock.This kid can do it all when given a chance.I really like his big play abilities and Olson needs to find ways to get him the ball.He looks like he belongs starting with Williams.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Leighroy- I’m gator fan and dont want Josh Freeman mimicking Tebow on the field. Off the field sure. But getting lit up by linebackers consistently isnt going to be good.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
When’s the last time the Bucs have a really had a really promising young QB? I can really only think of Doug Williams. Considering the Bucs gave up at least one first round if not two first round picks for the “Throwin Samoan” Jack Thompson may quantify. However, Jack did not quite live up to the hype, lol.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Ash is right, this is the NFL not the SEC. Pocket passers seem to have longer better carreers.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Joe hit the nail on the head when you think about what Freeman is doing with the pieces given to him. Mike Williams is a pro-bowl talent but that was his first game and he still has a lot to learn. Spurlock is a converted QB with very little game-time WR experience. Stroughter is in his 2nd year after being drafted in the 7th round. Cadillac Williams has two bionic knees. Jeramay Stevens has to check in with his P.O. before playing. And Freeman’s only 22 and in his first full-year as a starter. Again, this kid still has a long way to go, but he’s exceeded all my personal expectations and to do what he’s doing with those pieces is extremely impressive. I still think this is a 5 or 6 win season at best but there is reason for hope that this team will be a force in 2 years.
September 13th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
I’m not saying he has to take on LB’s like it’s his job. I’m just saying when there’s daylight and it’s time to put up or shut up, I’d just rather not see him curl into a ball and take a sack.
Maybe I’m just haunted by him sliding short of the marker on his first 3rd down play in his debut last year, bc I just really can’t get that out of my head especially when similar plays happen again yesterday, but that’s all I’m sayin.
I’m a gator student as well, and as much as I loved Tebow as the next guy, I certainly understand that Freeman becoming a FB every other play is not the ideal strategy. Just want him to show me a little more scrambling acumen is all.
September 13th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
How did the bucs pull off that win without Michael Clayton?
Caddy would have a decent day w/out that bogus holding call made about 8 seconds late!
We still don’t run the ball very consistently. And Freeman needs a “go to” possession receiver on the 3rd and 4s.
But, encouraging. The team will be hitting its stride in time for the lockout!
September 13th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Yeah, I heard Freeman was in a car accident as well. Joe, you should refer him to Attorney Haasch.
September 13th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Lightningbuc – Its Dolman Law Group now, haha
September 13th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
opps i see her on here still, my bad
September 13th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Ash,
Oh yeah, I forgot about Dolman. Ambulance chasers are a dime a dozen. Freeman’s probably getting inundated with calls wanting to represent him.
September 13th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
JImmy Clausen next week???
September 13th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Hate to get my hopes up but dam can we FINALLY have a franchise QB.
If he keeps getting better look out.
September 14th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Great post Joe- spot on! Freeman’s knack for 4th quarter comebacks is very reassuring for such a young Qb! The Young Dts looked good in the middle, much better push than last year! It finally let Ruud do his job, and he showed he is very good at it!!