Freeman-Schiano “Divorce” Looming?
September 12th, 2013
Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski is not man of hyperbole. the WHFS-FM 98.7 personality generally writes and talks from his heart, after his thoughts have been filtered by his brain.
After watching Josh Freeman struggle at the New Jersey Swamplands, and watching and listening to Bucs coach Greg Schiano, and studying Schiano at Rutgers, Pawlowski wrote that he is sensing the beginning of the end of Freeman’s days in Tampa Bay, a “divorce” between head coach and the Bucs franchise quarterback.
As we entered the preseason, Mike Glennon got a majority of the offensive snaps for the Buccaneers. This was not a surprise. The surprise was how little snaps Josh Freeman received in games to get ready for the season.
The Jets had the absolute right game-plan on defense this past Sunday. The key to stopping the Bucs offense is to load the box, shut down Doug Martin, pressure Josh Freeman, and force Freeman to beat you through the air.
“I mean, that’s going to be the formula to stop our offense. It’s not a mystery,” Schiano said [of shutting down Doug Martin. “We have to throw and catch. We missed open guys, and then we dropped some passes. We have to protect better; we [allowed] three sacks, but we also were hurried. If people are going to do that, you’re going to have to be able to throw the football effectively, consistently, accurately, and move the ball down the field. We did at times, and at other times, we didn’t.”
This was the first time Greg Schiano’s words about the quarterback position has matched his actions. The question is whether this is the beginning of the end for Josh Freeman. The only way Josh Freeman can prevent this from happening is to perform well on the field.
Now mind you that Pawlowski wrote this before the public learned of Photogate.
Look, Joe has no clue if Schiano really wants to rid himself of Freeman or not. Joe is convinced Schiano wants Freeman to succeed. If Freeman succeeds and the Bucs make the playoffs, then it’s not unlikely that Schiano would get a second contract.
As for Freeman, of course he wants to succeed. That inflates his market value when he hits free agency. To suggest Freeman wants to fail here is crazy.
As Joe has been saying for months: Freeman controls his own destiny. Play well and get a fat new contract. Play lousy and back up up Carson Palmer in Arizona or bratty Jay Cutler in Chicago.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:16 am
I feel the curse of quarterback past creeping up. Williams, Young and this hurts Dilfer and wearing SB rings. Freeman moves on and makes the playoffs. Another first round pick wasted by the Pop star. Doooh!
September 12th, 2013 at 7:20 am
Interesting take. He nay turn it around on the fiekd and walk to another team, because the qb may want to rid himself of shiano too. It will be interesting to see what glennon has, he seems like the same type qb, so he may be able to move into the starting role easily. Meaning they will not have to change the iffense fir him. If course if the talk if hiw ling it takes to kearn sullys iffense is true, we are screwed.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:24 am
Damn on screen keyboard. If the talk of how long it takes to learn sully offense is true, we are screwed.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:24 am
Is Freeman a basket case because Schiano is a dick? Or is Schiano a dick because Freeman is a basket case? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Good god I hope it’s not both. But maybe it is. Greg has always been a dick and Freeman has been told to see a shrink before Schiano got here. If Schiano stripped Freeman for missing the team photo, I really can’t blame him. It’s unacceptable for a leader to miss the photo. Imagine your immediate supervisor showing up late for work on a crucial day after there were already questions about him. I know I couldn’t respect him as my supervisor.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:25 am
Haha. I understood it McBuc.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:28 am
Schiano ABSOLUTELY is throwing Freeman under the bus.
Look at his response to the offensive performance: “We have to throw and catch. We missed open guys, and then we dropped some passes. We have to protect better”.
His whole assesment was out of order. 1st, our blocking was atrocious. 2nd, we had too many catchable dropped passes. 3rd, we had no running game. and finally, yes, we could have thrown better.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:32 am
Colin Cowherd said about Jonny Football. A dripping faucet always turns into a flood. It sure seems all these little things about Freeman are adding up, and turning into his own flood.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:32 am
Freeman will go to Kansas City with Andy Reid.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:34 am
Freeman folded like a lawn chair before coach Schiano even got here, that is actually why we have Schiano as coach. in 2011 the playoff word was all over Tampa after a decent showing in 2010. I have said repeatedly that this will make Freeman cumble. The pressure of playoffs is too much.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:34 am
If players are holding players-only meetings, regardless of the issue, their for damn sure talking about Schiano.
He only seems to be dividing the players and fans… First, he let go of some pretty damn good players who we could really use right now, and for what?? Cause they saw through him and stood up to him? He needs to learn how to adapt to dealing with grown men with all sorts of personalities.
If not…. Mike Sully 4 HC!!!
September 12th, 2013 at 7:35 am
@jvato24
no, Reid like accurate QBs
September 12th, 2013 at 7:39 am
Gruden was an offensive coach, and he left Kiffin alone to handle the defense. He won a Super Bowl.
Dungy was a defense coach, and he left that offense alone in Indy. He won a Super Bowl.
Schiano needs to give Sully 100% control of that offense. And stop breathing down Freemans neck. Sully can bring the best out of Free. Schiano brings out the worst.
Sully 4 HC!!!
September 12th, 2013 at 7:41 am
You don’t run the ball on every first down if you are really trying to open things up with the pass. That is the easiest time to pass. Especially if the other team is keying on the run.
I feel like Shiano just does not get player psychology at all. He has ruined Freeman. It’s pretty apparent to me that Freeman is a guy who needs his mind in the right place to perform. Shiano has done nothing to make that happen.
I did not want Dungy fired. I did not want Gruden fired. I even was not so sure about Raheem getting fired despite that awful finish. Shiano? I’m starting to lean in that direction. I really liked my first impression of him too.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:44 am
Freeman had performance and leadership issues well before Schiano.
Photo gate was more a snub to his team mates than the coaches and FO. What Ronde didn’t say was the team has lost faith too IMO.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:46 am
We could get rid of Freeman. But theres still going to be bad blood towards Schiano and his tactics. Plus he’s still unproven.
Our best scenario, if we continue to lose, is demote/fire Schiano, and promote Sully to Acting Boss.
You can tell he’s got a sharp mind, personable with the players, and of course who beter to discipline someone than an Army Ranger. Those guys can turn a handful of bums into a well organized militia.
Military Mike Sullivan for HC!!!
September 12th, 2013 at 7:48 am
I agree Tony. Having his paws in EVERYTHING is not a good thing. A good leader know how to delegate. Coach doesn’t seem to know how to do that. Know what your weaknesses are and let the people that excel in your weakness the chance to excel.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:52 am
He doesn’t even need to just completely let loose. Keep his paws in 98% of what he does now. Just let go of what his weakness is. Surly his ego isn’t so large he cant do that. We all have a weakness. Even Peyton Manning and Bill Bilechick has a weakness or two.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:53 am
Put the glass pipe down and back away Tony Two Cents.
Demote a HC? Uh, ya, common practice in the NFL.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:56 am
Is no one else curious as to the timing of the release to the photoshoot story. It happened weeks ago.. And as soon as the players-only meeting is brought to light, we hear about the photoshoot hours later.
Schiano needs to keep his house in order.
and if photogate is true, Josh needs to stop giving this guy a reason.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:00 am
@Biff,
whatever, you get what Im saying. fire the inneffective bastard.
Mike Sull 4 HC!!!
September 12th, 2013 at 8:05 am
@ Biff,
how the fu(k can you say that thats what Ronde didnt say.. has it occured to you that Ronde didnt want to play for Schiano?? getting tucked in with a bag of Twizzlers candy every night as a grown as 37 year old professional football player?? as if he was some sort of…..college football player or something??
September 12th, 2013 at 8:13 am
Not a question of Freeman wanting to succeed. Its a question of him being able and willing to. He wouldn’t be the first nfl star that lacked dedication.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:19 am
@Biff “Freeman had performance and leadership issues well before Schiano.”
He produced a Top 5 WR and Top 10 WR last year.
He put his team in scoring position 5 times, only to have our defense blow the game.
Stop seeing only what you want to see, you ignorant cunnt.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:24 am
I have been down on Freeman since the 2011 debacle. I felt then that his development was derailed. The 6 game gem he turned in last year almost won me over again, and now we are to this point.
After reading Hawiian Buc’s post yesterday about Freeman showing up late, at One Buc Place and parking in an “expective mother” parking spot. That tells me everything you need to know. It is one thing to show up *late*, but it is another to take the parking space he shouldn’t speaks volumes.
Freeman lacks the fire, and now it is coming out that he blows off his team.
We need a QB that can lead, take charge, and be ACCOUNTABLE to his teammates.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:25 am
At this point, it seems to be a combination of gameplan, playcalling and execusion. none of this is in sync. Freeman will not be in control of his destiny this year. I believe Schiano has seen all he wanted to see last year. Freeman can go one of two ways. He can go somewhere else and be successful or this experience can ruin him. Whatever the outcome one thing is clear, Tampa Bay Bucs fans will not be a part of this for much longer. As a buc fan, I still don’t know feel as though I know the real Freeman as a player which is disappointing.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:26 am
LOL at 87′
his meltdown is almost as epic as jro’s
September 12th, 2013 at 8:26 am
@Chef “Surly his ego isn’t so large he cant do that. We all have a weakness. Even Peyton Manning and Bill Bilechick has a weakness or two.”
You’d be surprised how it is for certain types of men to admit fault, weakness… so they kid themselves, and they fool most people. but not me. a real man can admit his own faults and laugh about it. a weak, petty, soft man, will go to lengths to prove how tough or right they are. these men are insecure. Schiano is one of these men. I was convinced of it when he didnt accept full responsibility for that loss.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:26 am
Tony,
Freeman had an up and down year in 2012. To only express the postive numbers, and ignore the consistency, 3 and outs and ultimately the win-loss record is inexcusible.
Relax, take a deep breath and accept that fact that Josh is digging his own grave.
Schiano is a no nonsense guy, maybe Freeman just doesn’t have the mental toughness to survive and thrive?
He reminds more of Jason Campbell’s time in Washington each day….
September 12th, 2013 at 8:27 am
Sully 4 HC!!!
September 12th, 2013 at 8:28 am
I saw “Stevek”, and I saw “Tony,”…. didnt read the rest. dont bother talkin to me.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:29 am
Tony,
Judge your underachieving 5th year QB with the same conviction as our 2nd year head coach.
They both share the blame, and I think it is great to get to the bottom of it all.
Schiano stated in an interview that Freeman has the ability to pick a play and audble.
Counting last year at Dallas, and the Jets last weekend, that is strike 2 on the audbile opportunities.
Do you think Freeman is giving it 100%? He looks like a physically talented guy that is about 1/2 way committed to his craft.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:30 am
I think Freeman can succeed in the NFL. He has shown promise and is still young. However, there seems to be a problem behind the scenes. We can only speculate, but Freeman’s body language on Sunday against the Jets seemed to suggest issues. Late in the game, he sat on the bench by himself. He looked as if he lost all interest in the game and this was right after the offense drove down the field and right before Lindell kicked the go ahead field goal. Agian, we can only speculate on what’s really happening internally with the team. Is it the contract situation, the lack of trust from the organization, lack of support from Schiano? It could be a combination of everything, maybe it’s getting to him. It’s a shame, he’s the best QB on the roster at this point.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:31 am
Tony,
You got it. Keep spouting off, thanks for projecting your opinion, posting it to the forum, but backing down from any discussion.
Have a good one!
-SteveK
September 12th, 2013 at 8:31 am
If you think Freeman is the bee’s knees, let’s let the market speak. The NFL commonly hires people who have committed all sorts of terrible crimes, including manslaughter. If you can play, you will be rewarded. It’s not that difficult to recognize.
Much like those who were claiming Tebow was getting screwed over, the same goes those claiming something besides Freeman’s own ability is holding him back.
Let’s see what the open market says. Tebow is out of work. If Freeman continues the inconsistent play that has plagued him through his 57 starts (Fifty-seven!!), then he will holding a clipboard somewhere. And, when you are something besides 100% on the field, you damn better be at the team photo, and your own football camp.
There’s no conspiracy. Coaches, GM’s and owners want to win. That’s it.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:38 am
Imagine Freeman’s physical traits combined with the heart, desire, and commitment of Russell Wilson.
Anyone think Wilson would miss a team photo?
September 12th, 2013 at 8:39 am
ok, I glanced..
I told you personally SteveK, that I wasnt going to give you anymore of my time. but I saw you write that Freeman and Schiano share the blame. And hallelujah! I agree.
Now as a fan, you wanna get rid of Freeman, maybe during the bye.. Have Schiano pick a high round project QB… wait another 2-3 years for a playoff game??
I say, if we go into the bye 0-4,1-3, fire Schiano. Promote Sully. Not cause Im a Freemanite, but because I feel that Sully will bend enough to make Freeman comfortable and play better. And the D just needs a few tweaks and its a Top 10 force. Then we could be looking at the playoffs in 2013 instead of 2015-2016.
And I can see by Freemans body language that he’s engaged when Sully is coaching him, but he’s tentative when Schiano is.
Sully 4 HC!!!
September 12th, 2013 at 8:44 am
“Schiano stated in an interview that Freeman has the ability to pick a play and audble.”
of course he has the “ability”.. he just doesnt have the authority. Sullivan practically confirmed this in his presser.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:49 am
I am really going to miss all the excuses that comes with Freeman once he’s outta here.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:50 am
I wouldn’t mind to see Dungy have an intervention with Freeman.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:50 am
forget Freeman…
Schiano here, for another 2-3 years is the worst thing that could happen to this team. he has driven out 4 mid-high quality players in 1 year. you can argue that some had legal issues. but like Rah would say, we should have tolerated them until we could replace them….
we still haven replaced, Talib/Wright, Winslow.
damn people….Ive been up all night. Im turning into a broken record.
Sully 4 HC!! peace..
September 12th, 2013 at 8:51 am
Thank god for blackouts
September 12th, 2013 at 8:51 am
awesome idea Scotty….
September 12th, 2013 at 8:52 am
Any truth to the rumor that the Bucs have requested JFro to RSVP for Sunday afternoons from here on out?
September 12th, 2013 at 8:55 am
The best thing Schiano has done was get rid of the riffraff. If Schiano turns out to be temporary, then at least he provided the needed douche of all the malcontents and criminals that were on the roster with Rah. Well worth it for me.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:55 am
Ideal plan: Keep Sully on as OC for continuity of offense, fire Schiano, and bring on the guy who will maximize our D’s obvious potential. – Mr. Lovie Smith.
Get rid of Freeman. I cant believe that after 4 years the we are still wondering if he is our guy. That should tell you something.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:56 am
When asked if Freeman could pick a play Schiano paused then said we prefer other steps in the process before that. That doesn’t really mean Freeman is allowed to do that. However it is Freeman’s responsibility to go through those steps in a timely matter. If he waits until there are 7 seconds on the play clock before he tells them he cant hear, that is on Freeman. It appeared to me that is what happened
September 12th, 2013 at 8:57 am
Listen I got a plan that will satisfy all of us. Josh never shows up from quarters 1 through 3 anyways. So we should start Glennon and then let Freeman take over for the final drive of the game since thats the only time he is effective. Glennon starts, Freeman stays and we all get what we want. Get it done Schiano!
September 12th, 2013 at 9:16 am
#5 should of asked to be traded. He has no chance to succeed here nor make schiano want him. Better for everyone if #5 takes a different team to the SB. It’s clear he doesn’t want to be part of schiano’s trainwreck any longer.
September 12th, 2013 at 9:24 am
I realize logic is usually frowned upon here, but isn’t it possible the Bucs players called a players only meeting to tell Freeman why he wasn’t voted a captain and that he needs to pull his head out of his ass?
September 12th, 2013 at 9:24 am
Schiano is going to get fired for cleaning up Raheem’s mess. Doesn’t seem particularly fair. Freeman is the last holdover who needs to disappear to remove the Raheem mentality. Regardless of their record Glennon will start in week 5 and we will move forward. But Freeman isn’t the guy and he doesn’t want to be here. Gotta move on.
September 12th, 2013 at 9:31 am
There is a lot of posturing going on in Tampa. Schiano is dropping little stories of Freeman not showing up for team photos, his own camp out partying(allegedly). Then you have Freeman’s camp coming out saying the captains vote was rigged.
It looks like from all the noise that Schiano made a decision on Freeman last year and is now in the laying the ground work to unseat him and Freeman didn’t help himself either. I think the preseason lack of playing time was the most glaring point. If Glennon is put in its going to be a long year.
My problem with Schiano is the fact that he picked Glennon based off Butch Davis recommendation. When E.J. Manuel was available in the draft who is a much better pick.
September 12th, 2013 at 9:34 am
Better for everyone if #5 takes a different team to the SB. It’s clear he doesn’t want to be part of schiano’s trainwreck any longer.
———————————————
So you think Freeman would rather go back to losing by 30+ points every week? If thats the case then I absolutely agree with you. Get rid of the bum. Trade him to the Jags so we never have to hear form him again.
September 12th, 2013 at 9:44 am
How was EJ Manuel available? We traded our first rounder, and he was drafted…in the first round.
September 12th, 2013 at 9:44 am
what do you “fans” want???? the Bucs in the playoffs in 2013??? or a team so bad that you can keep on hating??
Josh gives us the best chance to win. He gave Vincent Jackson the best year of his career. He’s responsible for MW19s payday.
The guy needs a decent line to get at least 3 seconds to pass. But until then, let him move around when the pocket collapses (on every play), keep the clock running and the defense honest. But Sully needs total control.
Schiano needs to either let these guys get comfortable and let his coaches coach. If he’s too proud to let go of the controls, then fire his azz.
Military Mike Sullivan 4 HC!!!
September 12th, 2013 at 9:50 am
If Bucs take an L this week Schiano will be on the brink of losing the team.
If that’s the case you heard it hear first ownership will go after Tony Dungy to be the Pres./ Dir. of Football Operations and Lovie Smith as the Head Coach.
September 12th, 2013 at 9:52 am
Hardcore a Nole as there is, but, EJ is not the right guy for TB. He and Jimbo had issues, so, he certainly wouldn’t handle Schiano very well. Besides, I don’t think his field vision is exemplary.
Now Jameis, thus far, is a different story. Some guys see the field and anticipate where the receiver will be. Freeman and EJ are not those types. Bridgewater seems to be though….
September 12th, 2013 at 10:10 am
Indeed, if the Bucs go south they gotta go for the #1 pick. Bridgewater on this team would have the same impact as Russell Wilson/RGIII/Luck. Instantly to the playoffs.
September 12th, 2013 at 10:29 am
Joe,
Mention is made here and in the past to Schiano and Free, and each of their futures with this team being dependent upon eachother. Little has been made of the future of Dom if this season tanks and/or Free fails. Because let’s not forget, if Free does fail, the blood IS on Dom’s hands as he drafted him. And we also need not forget the many “directions” this team has been taken in since the massive turnover that black monday when Rah first came in. In my eyes, he’s as much to blame as anyone for this apparent “failed” rebuilding approach…
September 12th, 2013 at 11:22 am
Somebody walks the plank of the pirate ship this week unless the team makes a miraculous turn around into a competitive NFL team. They don’t have to win they just have to look like they belong on the field. I don’t believe the Glazers will let this mess continue to destroy their investment.
September 12th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
THE HEAD BAGS WILL BE WAITING AT THE FRONT GATE ! THIS TEAM IS IN TROUBLE ALREADY AND WE CAN LOOK FOR ANOTHER YEAR DOWN THE DRAIN. THE OWNERS ARE AT FAULT. THEY HIRED G. S. I THINK THEY SHOULD LET THE FANS PICK THE COACH BECAUSE ##THEY CAN’T ##
I KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN THEY GOT GREG S…..
WHEN WILL THIS MARRY-GO-ROUND STOP AND WHEN WILL WE HAVE A SUPER COACH !!!!!!! I MEAN SUPER BOWL COACH.
September 12th, 2013 at 1:50 pm
It seems that the Schiano-Freeman feud will only get worse. There are still many secrets being held back.
The Glazer’s would be smart to juggle the coaching staff before the bye week.
I have always believed that the Little General has all the attributes to become one of the finest special teams coaches in the NFL. They have to pay him $20,000,000.00 more, let him earn it.
I would nominate Bryan Cox for the head coaching gig simply because he has excelled since he has been here. It’s obvious that the players respect him and he is defensive minded. Some team’s going to cherry pick Cox next year, use him or lose him.
If anyone believes Sullivan should be retained, rewind the Jet’s game.
Dave Wannstedt would need a position, maybe he could simplify the offense and make it Freeman friendly. I think a new OC, patting Josh on the back once in a while might provide dividends.
A wild card is Butch Davis, but how can anyone respect him after his last college job where he’s still cashing paychecks from.
The Glazer’s have a lot invested this year, Revis ($16 million), VJax ($10 million, Freeman ($8.4 million), Goldson ($8 million), Mike Williams ($6 million), they should salvage something quick.
Keep in mind that the Glazer’s might do something horrific and tank this season in order to get Jadaveon Clowney (JCP). If the G-Boys come out with the dreaded “Vote of Confidence” for the Little General we’ll know which direction the team is headed.