Immense Pressure On Josh Freeman
August 24th, 2012
The Bucs have built themselves a win-now offense.
The bulk of their huge 2012 payroll is tied up on offense, with a ton of cash and talent tied up in the offensive line. Plus the Bucs have a win-now receiver in Vincent Jackson and his eight-figure annual salary, and a strong No. 2 in Mike Williams.
The Bucs also have win-now talent in the backfield with LeGarrette Blount and Doug Martin. And Dallas Clark was a win-now aquisition.
But do the Bucs have a win-now quarterback?
That’s the key question for the 2012 season. From 2010 to 2011, Josh Freeman’s performance went from great to bad. He needs to be at least good this season to keep Bucs fans from calling for his head.
ESPN blogger Pat Yasinskas believes Freeman’s job security is likely on the line come September, so Yasinskas wrote in a live chat today.
RedZoneJones: If Freeman plays sub-par do the Bucs cut bait?
Pat Yasinskas (1:31 PM): Obviously, a very critical year for him. If he has a good year, then he probably gets a nice contract extension. If not, they probably start considering alternatives.
The pressure on Freeman surely is magnified by being in the NFC South with Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. If Freeman is better yet not great this season and remains a lesser quarterback than his division peers, then where do the Bucs go from there?
Though the abilities of Mike Sullivan are a mystery, Freeman has everything in place for him to have a successful season. The Bucs’ running game should set him up in deep passing game and keep him in 3rd-and-manageable situations often.
It’s not a true “make-or-break” season for Freeman, but it’s damn close to it.
August 24th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Lets see him play the season before we make statements like that.
I do wish they’d bring in better backup though.
August 24th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Last night I watched the 1st 1/2 of the TN game, and I Josh DID NOT LOOK GOOD AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That could be because he was specifically trying to get the ball to certain players, but he was horrible in the sense he NEVER took his eyes off the primary reciever-NEVER, and he had guys WIDE OPEN he was not seeing. He had times where he had 15yards free to run for the 1st down and chose to force the ball to a guy that was not open……..and the guy was not open because 7 defenders were looking at Josh whole head swivel with the person he was going to….they just followed that guy. He is better than this, let’s hope he shows it soon, or yeah….give the damn ball to Orlovsky
August 24th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Agree this is an important year for Josh. While he has always had the physical tools, curious to see how the mental part of his game progresses under Sullivan. Not sure if it’s just me, but seems he still shows a lot of uneasiness during press conferences and still seems to lack a little maturity. Understand he’s only 24, but figured he be a little farther along in that department at this point. Hope he has a great year and really blossoms under Sullivan. Do like the fact that he noticed how Brady commanded the huddle.
August 24th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
this is his year either way we have no relibale back up. maybe need to fix that
August 24th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
I really, REALLY hope Coach Schiano has a solid backup plan to fall back on!
August 24th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
For some reason there is always immense pressure on Josh but none on the opposing QB – yet our “rock star” spent 2 first and 2 second and 1 third round draft picks on our defensive front…
And so I ask again: rock star?
I am still waiting on Joe to admit his nickname is in jest.
August 24th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
I like our back up QB. Better than what we had. Orlovsky is smart. Quick thinker and a pure pocket passer. He didn’t look good last week because the Oline couldn’t block to save their jobs!
I gotta #5 jersey BUT this is his year to make/break. I believe if Free thinks too much he forces things. Think less Free!!
As far as leaving the pocket and creating, Free needs to do that style again. If the pocket collapses and no one is open RUN! Get that yardage. Anything is better than a sack or turnover. Football is a game of rhythm. Get the opposing D off balance and seize your opportunities! Let them think and guess.
August 24th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Personally i’m not worried at all that Josh will have a great year.He’s already shown signs of greatness and last year with no Mini Camps,OTA’s,TC, Pre Season or a quality knowledgeable coaching staff to help him.Also playing from behind in just about every game.No running game,no one at least bit scary in our receiving game.Just about every analyst says he has the ability to be great I will not worry.If some don’t believe that’s your opinion but I know it will be a thing of the past by season’s end.
August 24th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Josh is here to stay.
August 24th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
all this “has the tools”, “signs of greatness” crap is bs. I don’t give a hoot about what they did 2 yrs ago, what did they do today???? show us on the field……
August 24th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
If the defense takes 25-30 years to understand, I’m sure Josh will pick up the offense in 8-10 years. He seems to be pretty bright.
August 24th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
I have strong feeling Miguelito Salton is gonna show up somewhere around the bye week.
August 24th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Freeman has never had below a 60% completion percentage the last two years. When the running game was there like 2010 Freeman was fine in the TD to pick ratio. With Martin AND Blount he will be more than fine.
August 24th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Don’t forget – new offensive coordinator = no more Benn-Round-a-bout.
August 24th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Ring Ring Matt Barkley!!!!
August 24th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Rob eret and Miguel…You guys are saying the opposite of all the pros. Go be Panther’s fans, so you can cheer for Cam!
I think Cam has a year like Vick’s true second year (his third), when the NFL was on to him. try and run, and let’s see how much you win.
Have some faith in your team, just about every expert says Free is the real deal, but some of you so called fans still think he sucks. Whatever! What will you say when A, he kisck butt this year, or B, you get what you want and he wins a SB with a nother team (like we have seen several times. TB fans need to relax and let the players develope.
August 24th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
@McBuc
I reread my comment and Robert’s and there was zero criticism about Josh Freeman.
I personally like Josh, I have just pointed out in the past that his mechanics suck and I was hoping that the new coaches would correct them. I believe that America’s Best QB, Jeff Carlson agreed with me.
I hope that he reverts back to his 2010 form and rakes the Glazers over the coals for a new long term contract. Nothing crazy like Peyton Manning’s but Gerald McCoy type money