For Veterans Day, Tampa Bay falls in love with Free-man.
by Niko Houllis on Nov 8, 2009 8:16 PM EST
63 comments
Never happend.
That's when the last time, since the merger in 1970, that a rookie QB threw 3 TD passes in his first game, and Won by the way. That's what happened today, as the best case scenario played out, and the Bucs won their first game in Bucco Bruce threads since beating the Bears end of the 1996 season. Tampa Bay now loves the Orange uniforms, and the throwback week was a huge success. The amount of fans in Orange were rivaled only by the ones in Green, at least judging from my view from the Pirate ship...guest of the Glazers. The 1979 team was on the sideline, but players (or memories of such) kept popping up everywhere. The defense sacked Aaron Rogers 6 times, Lee Roy Selmon probably thought he was just given a breather, and Randy Crowder & Wally Chambers were taking care of business.
Josh Freeman was a gunslinger, Kellen Winslow and Sammy Stroughter were catching them; It looked like Doug Williams to Jimmy Giles, and the secondary was getting in on the act too.
For the first time this year, the Bucs (the TEAM Tampa Bay Buccaneers), all three units, contributed to this win. Special Teams even pitched in with a blocked punt, a returned a Kick Off, and boomed punts.
We can put 0-16 to rest, and we can put Bucco Bruce to rest too, until next year. Now we wait to see if this team can play consistent football and give the fans a reason to get excited about 2010, and the incoming talent due to arrive.
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Huh
Maybe Freeman isn’t totally worthless after all…then again there was Gradkowski, who looked like a hero one week and a total bust the next…
by 'Nak Kecil on Nov 8, 2009 8:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm certainly not under the impression this one game makes Freeman a superstar
but it was a great first game and certainly something to build on.
Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow
by Buc Wild on Nov 8, 2009 8:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it was a great first game, against a decent Green Bay team...
And the whole Fourth Quarter comeback in his first game is an impressive thing to read about as well… I hope he’s a fighter, and defenses don’t figure him out too soon…
"Put it on Film" (not on the glass)
by chiefs_55 on Nov 8, 2009 8:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He made some iffy throws/reads, but also made some good ones
plenty to build on, plenty to correct, just as we expected
Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow
by Buc Wild on Nov 8, 2009 8:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gotcha I'll be able to watch next week's Miami game
I had to miss today for a gig (Winefest), recession makes me work on Sundays, I just thought for sure I’d make the Cream-sickle game??? Oh well, glad we won in 1976 garb!
"Put it on Film" (not on the glass)
by chiefs_55 on Nov 8, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I will say
That Winslow touchdown throw was a very fine read, I’d have been impressed with a majority of QBs for making that read, but for a rookie, it was that much better.
by 'Nak Kecil on Nov 8, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn't a bad read...
but it was more of a defensive breakdown because Freeman had so much time. A DB can’t be reasonably expected to cover for 9 seconds.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 8, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He couldn't ask for more from the defense and special teams in
ways of setting him up for success. Expect a piece on that tomm. He played very well and I won’t taken anything away from him, but any other week, he looks just average.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 8, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Give him his credit
Its his first start, besides I doubt Josh Johnson had the arm or Byron had the pocket presence/awareness to make Freeman’s reads.
Why do you kill threads????
by Some other guy who does not care on Nov 8, 2009 9:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Absolutely.
However, let’s not ride too high. He threw for 45% and was given short fields. Just trying to add perspective.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 8, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok
Also He was lined up without AB and with MICHAEL CLAYTON (still not high on him at all), and the run game wasn’t all that…
Why do you kill threads????
by Some other guy who does not care on Nov 8, 2009 10:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We didn't commit to the run at all.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 8, 2009 10:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Part of why
I don’t understand Greg Olsen at all, he has a complicated mind.
Why do you kill threads????
by Some other guy who does not care on Nov 8, 2009 10:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Baffling. Absolutely baffling. Im as happy as the next person we won
but I also look at trends and what this means going forward. Will we get a punt block and two short fields every game? Probably not. If there was EVER a game to run the ball, it was this one. I’m not sure I understand.
A win is a win and I’m not saying had we run the ball we wouldve won by more or anything, but the offensive balance is not there. It’s troubling.
Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow
by Buc Wild on Nov 9, 2009 8:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gunslinging
Play calling seems to indicate they want to build a pass first run later offense for Freeman. Either that or they lost faith that we can power through teams with the run this year.
by NewLogic on Nov 9, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a bit hesitant to estabish a pass first offense with a young QB and young team, particularly when you have good backs
When we travel north, or get in some close games, the pass first mentality won’t always work. We don’t have to run it 85% of the time, but I’d like to feel confident that if we get a lead, we can protect it with the run.
Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow
by Buc Wild on Nov 9, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
% was directly affected by many drops.
3 By cadillac alone. I only saw a couple poor passes.
I dont think we can ride too high to be honest, I’ve NEVER seen this from a Tampa Bay Quarterback in his first day since Ive been a fan.
Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!
by Niko Houllis on Nov 9, 2009 7:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was the most impressive rookie start of any Bucs QB....
Shawn King won his first on MNF while throwing for 2 TD, but it was the Defense that won that game. Freeman won this game in the 4th Qtr.
Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!
by Niko Houllis on Nov 9, 2009 6:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This game was not won in the fourth quarter.
It was won by short field positions and excellent special teams play. Freeman passed for 45%. Not outstanding by any means.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 9, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We were down by 11, and scored 21...
in the 4th qtr.
Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!
by Niko Houllis on Nov 9, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"This game was won by Freeman in the 4th Qtr"
on scoring drives of 17 yards, 50 Yards and and INT TD.
Hardly Elway esque.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 9, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds to me like it was more
won by the defense and ST in the 4th Qtr.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 9, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fail. It was 17 yards,
72 Yards.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 9, 2009 8:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats fine.. still, 4th Qtr.
And the winning points were on a drive if I remember correct.
Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!
by Niko Houllis on Nov 10, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he didnt look this good. This was good decision making...
Besides, Gradkowski was a stretch to look good . Freeman SHOULD look good. He is a first round pick. Dont get me wrong,..this place will still get ugly at times. Its all part of the growing process.
Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!
by Niko Houllis on Nov 8, 2009 8:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You know what makes me nervous? The other two first rounders (Sanchez and Stafford) have both had 5 INT games this year
does that make Freeman next?
Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow
by Buc Wild on Nov 8, 2009 8:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Peyton Manning
threw more picks then TD’s his first season, I wouldnt be suprised if they let Freeman loose if he throws 4-5 picks. Shoot Brett Favre has the record for most picks, only catch is… he also has the record for most TD’s , so the thing to look for would be does he keep throwing TD’s along with the picks.
by Hook85 on Nov 8, 2009 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL they are due to come, thats for sure.
Lets get them out of the way in 09 though, not ’10
Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!
by Niko Houllis on Nov 9, 2009 7:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gradkowski
could of threw 3 picks and only 1TD his first game, and it still would of been a success considering what a reach it was for him to even be starting in the first place, Mark Walberg will be playing him in the next underdog NFl story.
by Hook85 on Nov 8, 2009 9:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know this is a Freeman post....
but his offensive line play on pass protection was absolutely phenomenal.
Also, I think we have a really solid first string DB unit if we can replace Sabby with a legit starter. In addition, Mack needs to be starting over Barber. Barber is just not good anymore. Donald Driver is a very good WR, but isn’t the most athletic WR in the league and he just absolutely torched Barber.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 8, 2009 9:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
strange..
Mack gets beat. Barber Scores and Sabby has a solid game.. But you suggest Mack to start? I agree with you most of the time but not in this scenario. Barber got beat on one play not because of lack of ability but because he was too eager for the INT. Same thing with Mack. And barring the 1st game or so, sabby has put together a pretty decent season for his first as a full time starter.
by miracles83 on Nov 8, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Barber scored on a special teams play that
Geno Hayes created. I hardly take this into account when considering whether he should start at CB or not.
Mack on the other hand had terrific instincts to jump a route and then make a play after the fact. When Mack gave up a TD to James Jones he had perfect position and attempted to make a play on the ball. It was an absolute perfect throw in stride. I will give Mack the benefit of the doubt every time on a play like that. Barber on the other hand gave up a TD because he did not have the agility to stick with Driver. That is a deteriation of skills, not being over-zealous and trying to make a play. Mack is extremely athletic and has the ability to be a play-making #2 CB. Ronde does not.
Sabby has had several solid games this season, but also several terrible games. The return of Jackson has shielded Sabby a bit. He still is not worthy of being a starter in this league.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 8, 2009 9:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In all seriousness,
Donald Driver is better than Ronde in terms of athleticism- Ronde bit on the Slant route, and Driver made a nice shift to a go route. If sabby was there in mack’s place, he would have made that play- Mack is the Bullseye, everyone is looking to- every time, samething happened- you knew that A-rod would be throwing Mack’s way after that interception
Why do you kill threads????
by Some other guy who does not care on Nov 8, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
re: Barber
announcers were saying Barber had his eyes in the backfield/qb on that play and that’s why he wasn’t in the best of positions to cover it (sorry trying to paraphrase it).
the ghost of stokes, camp, lugo strikes TB-sept 2009
by CubFanRaysaddict on Nov 9, 2009 1:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure how they could tell that by any replay I have seen.
All I see is him biting on a post and not being able to recover.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 9, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think what drives a lot of the public perception that he (Ronde) is still top notch are highlights.
For example, yesterday, he scored on that blocked punt. So his name is seen and heard because he scored, but not because he was beat (by Driver). I’m not saying he is done or the worst player out there, but perceptions by the mass public are largely influenced by what they see and hear in a 30 second Sportscenter clip. Even my views are misguided as I don’t break down game tape. I do spend time watching particular players and units and re-watching tape, but it’s not every snap of every game.
Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow
by Buc Wild on Nov 9, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ya not sure myself
already deleted the game off my DVR, I was just adding what I remb. the announcers saying.
the ghost of stokes, camp, lugo strikes TB-sept 2009
by CubFanRaysaddict on Nov 9, 2009 9:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Real reason why the Bucs won
It wasn’t because of Freeman, who like all rookie QBs looked both confused (early miscues) and energized (helping drive the Bucs to a 4th quarter comeback).
It wasn’t because of the Bucco Bruce Orange. Lord knows we’ve seen more losses in that uni than wins.
It wasn’t because we were honoring Lee Roy Selmon, although something or someone finally lit a fire under the defensive line’s collective ass and it was probably the thought of 63 watching on from above (in the luxury box).
The Bucs won because this was a good-old fashioned rivalry game.
Despite the Bucs being in the NFC South nowadays, the team has always been up for a matchup with any of the old teams from Ye Olde Norris division. Green Bay in particular (having it as the Battle of Bays didn’t hurt). So here comes Green Bay, thinking this is an easy day today against an 0-7 wounded team starting a rookie QB. Meanwhile, the Bucs had a reason they made this game out of all the others on the schedule as the one to honor Selmon, and to host a Throwback Uni day. This was like a Homecoming game for a college team, only instead of a sacrificial lamb school like Wofford it’s like bringing in Louisville, ripe with old grudges and current angers that the home team gets to work out. Oh yeah.
And that’s why we won. If this were a Throwback Uni day with Atlanta or New Orleans, maybe not so much. Against Carolina (with Clifton coming back) this would have been a similar case. Against Green Bay… ooooo they’re lucky we only scored 38. >:-)
Relive the shocking NOOOOOOOO of April 25 2009 at Witty's Draft Review and laugh laugh laugh...
by witty on Nov 8, 2009 9:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This rivalry
has lost steam to the point where it doesn’t matter since the Bucs have left the North. It had nothing to do with winning a game. It had everything to do with the defense and special teams putting the offense into a phenomenal position to win a football game.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 8, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bucs were never in North, it was NFC Central!
"Put it on Film" (not on the glass)
by chiefs_55 on Nov 9, 2009 11:43 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
These Bucs were in grade school the last time these teams were in division together.
Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!
by Niko Houllis on Nov 9, 2009 7:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
HEY A WIN IS A WIN
No matter what was the deciding factor of getting the win, A true fan of this team is just happy to get a win. I have been saying all season that Josh Freeman gives us the best chance to win. Look back to last season with Flacco and Ryan. Both made the playoffs. But hindsight is 20-20. If i’m not mistaken I do believe a Buc great agreed with me during the halftime show. I can say that I agree with John Lynch 100% we started the kid about 7 games to late
by hammie9979 on Nov 8, 2009 9:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Freeman was not ready. Self-admittedly.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
by UNFNOLE on Nov 8, 2009 10:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
good first impression
It’s his first career start and he throws 3 tds and gets a win. i live in wisconsin and im a big tampa fan always have been. arron rodgers sat his first 3 season and looked terrible anytime he got a chance to play and now look how everyone is so high on him. freeman is 21 years old and dosn’t know what the nfl is all about yet. hes got all the tools to be great imo.
by BUCSFTW on Nov 8, 2009 10:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
What a great day for Bucs history!
Much better than this year’s Ray’s Turn Back the Clock game!
I, for one, am thrilled—THRILLED—that they won today. Otherwise, people would be calling for a ban on the Orange unis again—like they did with the Devil Rays unis.
I hope they do a throwback game again next year.
by plasticman on Nov 8, 2009 10:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
All I have to say is.....
My first impression of Freeman is great…Not only because of the W (he got a lot of help from special teams and the D). But because I TRULY think he showed serious promise. As the game was ending I was so excited I could not even type on here. When it was over and the W was official I drank a beer. I can truly say I have not felt this good about a win since the superbowl win. I was sincerely greatful for this win and was sincerely impressed with Freeman for his first start. Had he been in say Peyton Manning’s position I would have not thought the same. Seriously though guys for the kid’s first start who was not at least a little impressed?
by RuudAwakening on Nov 8, 2009 10:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
this win had nothing to do with ring of honor, nor history this win was all about....
bucco bruce saying see go ahead put me away and see these college looking gay ass flag with a skull unies try to win! ha! you were o-7 and finally you wake me up for a win you despritally needed, so yo came calling for me!!!!!!! yo! hoe! hoe! and a bottle of rum!!!!!! Since they changed to the flag and skull crap, I have never wore them. Will always be orange and red. bleed BUCCO BRUCE!!!! See you next year Bucco, unless this crap of an organization smartens up and changes back.
by redtribe14 on Nov 8, 2009 11:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Freeman
to me looked like a Pro Quarterback out there today. He was steady on his feet, moving at the right time. Has a good touch on the ball. 3 ints today would have been ok in my book just for the simple fact he’s a rookie and the offense hasn’t produced since the first game of the season. He did great! 3 TDs and one pick.
If the offense can maintain, we definetly have a future to build on now. Dominik/Morris draft might be one of the best Buccaneer drafts of all time. Freeman/Miller/Moore/Stroughter Class of 09
by buccanator on Nov 9, 2009 12:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
He did well
Made some mistakes, but a lot less than expected. If today is an indication of things to come, and I’m not saying it is, things will be fun around here.
Now as far as some coaching decisions, I’m still not happy. 3rd down in scoring range with 11 seconds on the clock means you take a shot at the end zone and NOT kick a field goal. This isn’t the first time Morris has done this either.
by bucnut1 on Nov 9, 2009 1:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Niko, what about the two-point conversions?
I am willing to bet that Freeman is the first rookie Bucs quarterback to complete a two-point conversion in his first game. Certainly the first to attempt two in the same game, no?
I wonder about other teams as well. How many other rookie QB’s completed a two-point conversion in their first game?
by plasticman on Nov 9, 2009 5:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well there werent too many opportunities since that rule only came into effect..
for probably half or less of the Bucs quarterbacks.
Right now nothing comes to mind, but its a good question.
Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!
by Niko Houllis on Nov 9, 2009 7:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My perspective of Freeman
He looked as good as you can hope. Made a few rookie mistakes, but you could certainyl see the strong arm, some nice touch on other passes, some nice plays where he eluded the rush, headed for the line of scrimmage but kept his eyes up to make some passes rather than running for 4 yards.
Special teams and defense eased the pressure in a huge way off his shoulders. You can’t take his performance away though. When the Bucs made it to the Red Zone he came away with TDs.
I was more than impressed.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
by FreeZorilla on Nov 9, 2009 8:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
We could have had more points...
He overthrew one pass to Michael Clayton or Maurice Stovall (can’t remember who) after buying time with his feet by maybe a foot.
The second time, he just underthrew another receiver that would have gone for a touchdown.
by rjblitz02 on Nov 9, 2009 8:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
The most impressive thing about Freeman
was how he overcame a poor start. A lot of rookies in their first start might have caved with a bad start, but Freeman looked confident and really found his game in crunch time.
by aakks on Nov 9, 2009 9:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree
and many congrats to him on keeping his cool. I was surprised that he maintained composure with such a bad situation in front of him.
by 'Nak Kecil on Nov 9, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For me
I got scarde when freeman look like he fumbled the ball on the Fouth quater when he was suppose to hand off the ball to caddie I wonder if caddie picked it up from the ground… ANY WAYS
We are down but not out
IF U AIN'T A BUC GET THE BUC OUT OF HERE
by WE GOING TO THE SHIP on Nov 9, 2009 10:51 AM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Not out of what?
Surely you don’t refer to the division or wildcard race…
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
by FreeZorilla on Nov 9, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No
What I was saying is we can move in to third place in the south cause I no we can take on Carolina and one game of Atlanta if we play like how we play Against green bay we should do fine, but can’t wait to see Miami game…..
IF U AIN'T A BUC GET THE BUC OUT OF HERE
by WE GOING TO THE SHIP on Nov 10, 2009 5:42 AM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
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