“Been Awesome Playing For Sully”
November 13th, 2012
This morning, Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman dropped a phone call into “The Opening Drive,” to chat X’s and O’s with co-hosts Bob Papa and Amani Toomer, heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
In discussing the Bucs offense, it is easy to understand how the Bucs — and Joe still cannot believe he’s about to type the following sentence — are the new offensive standard in the NFL.
In short, Freeman and Bucs offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, who Freeman calls “Sully,” hit it off like two peas in a pod. Once Freeman and the rest of the Bucs offense got on the same page as Sullivan, it was just a matter of time before the offense, stocked with talented skill position players, took off.
“First time I sat down and talked to Sully, at the time, I couldn’t even talk about football,” Freeman said. “We talked about life, we talked about our families and certain beliefs. I walked away just jazzed. I was excited. Coach Sullivan is high energy, he is a great teacher, believes in doing things the right way. He believes in hard work. Nothing changes.
“He is very passionate about the offense, very passionate about his offensive packages. There are a lot of elements to the offense that nobody other than him have experience running. He did an excellent great job of breaking it down and getting people to understand what we are trying to accomplish with each play. It’s really been awesome playing for Sully.”
And to think just a scant few weeks ago, a sizable portion of Bucs fans were clamoring for the Bucs to draft West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith in the first round of next year’s draft. At the time, Joe explained how patience is a virtue and often it takes time for a new offense to click with a team.
Joe was mocked for taking such a stance. Well, sometimes, patience is truly a virtue as the Bucs have melded into sort of a Gulf Coast version of Air Coryell.
November 13th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
for the record I totally agreed Joe….I am surprised how quick and how well it is taking off…it usually takes a year or two foe offenses to click…
November 13th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
“Rubbish,” says Boomer Esiason.
November 13th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Josh Freeman is Warren Moon (i hope Warren Moon doesn’t think that’s a RACIST COMMENT)
November 13th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
This is so refreshing from having to watch the Gruden/Olson offense for the last 10 years.
By the way, Greg Olson is 1-18 in his last 19 games coaching offense.
November 13th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
How many games has it been since we’ve seen the Benn’d around?
2 or 3?
November 13th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
^^^^Now thats the comment I was waiting for Snook.^^^^^^
November 13th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
First, Bucs need to lock up Sullivan for a few years to keep developing this team and a successor because he will be a head coaching candidate soon. Second, coin that Gulf Coast Offense phrase. It could catch on if they keep going.
November 13th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Imagine this offense with the bucs Super Bowl defense. If schiano can shape up the secondary and limit some of the competitions and third down conversions the bucs will truly be something special. They show every week they are getting better at some aspect of the game and I continue to be impressed with schiano, everyone will be jumping on the schiano wagon after only a few weeks ago calling him out saying he doesn’t belong in the nfl.
NFL=New Schiano League
This Carolina game will be interesting I hope there is no let up we should legitimately win this game by two or more scores.
November 13th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
On another note I know it’s early but I like that the falcons face the saints the team that knocked them off the pedestal the week after the bucs. They might overlook us and want revenge against the next week saints.
November 13th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Just wait Joe, one bad game and the Freeman/Sullivan/Schiano haters will be back in force. Oh i forgot about the Dominik haters too. Im just glad we are playing meaningful football as a result of the hard work the above named people have put in.
November 13th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
I’m pleased with the progress of the offense but lets not go overboard. None of these great offensive games have come against a serious contender or even a quality defense. Kansas City, New Orleans, Minnesota, Oakland, and San Diego.
I love seeing the Bucs improve but we need to see it against these upcoming opponents like Atlanta and Denver before we call this offense the new standard.
November 13th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
@Snook
The Benn’d around most likely wont be happening anymore, thank god haha, but honestly though, when will Benn come around? I think he is almost in the same category as M.Lewis, high draft pick but he just hasn’t helped the team enough in the time hes been more ( dont get me wrong he still has done way more then M.Lewis has, and that makes even Lewis look worse considering Benn has done very little for us )
November 13th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
in the time hes been here **
November 13th, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Over past 5 weeks, highest scoring team in NFL: your Tampa Bay Buccaneers (178 pts, 35.6 per gm)
November 13th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Joe
Regardless of all the stars, without the two lines nothing would work, neither the offense or the defense. They don’t cover but sure do block and try to get the QBs. The LBs are playing at an extremely high level.
The question now is not if they are going to do something but whose turn is it in the spotlight.
November 13th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Happy to say those of us with a lick of common sense never gave up on Josh Freeman. You can tell those people that do my looking at the people STILL giving up on other key players with strong potential.
November 13th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
The funny thing is how we were all screaming about how late the coaching staff was put together. Thanks to all those teams who said NO, I admit I was concerned but I believe they are all winning us over…Go Bucs
November 14th, 2012 at 2:33 am
I think if the Bucs draft anyone from WVU, it should be Tavon Austin. He would help the return game.
November 14th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Finally – someone with sense is taking the target OFF of Freeman!
So many idiots have been pimping _______ (fill in the name of your favorite blank)…that I’ve taken a break from reading replies.
Freeman has franchise abilities – they’ve finally put enough tools around and in-front of him – he can finally show what he can do.
Having an offensive coach he believes in – makes Freeman a very dangerous QB…this team is built for a deep playoff run…