SB Nation User Blog: Craig T

Week 10 Player Profile: QB Josh Freeman

Craig T — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:02:10 -0000

Coming off a season-saving victory, who else should we choose to profile except our young gunslinger, QB Josh Freeman? After months and months of overanalyzing his selection in the first round and listening to the talking heads in the media and the Bucaneer fans debate the merits of the pick, Josh Freeman came out and silenced the critics for at least one week, throwing for 205 yds and 3 TDs. Most impressively, with the game and possibly the season on the line, Josh showed the poise few first-time starters show, making huge throws to Clayton and Stroughter en route to a go-ahead score late in the 4th quarter.

Kudos to Niko on the sweet video highlights:

Although I didn't get to watch the game, I did get to go back and watch some video of his performance...

1st half notes:On his first TD pass to Ward, The play was a two-back shotgun bunch formation right. Clayton ran a drag, drawing the RILB to step up; Winslow ran a seam, drawing CB Al Harris with him. This cleared out the right side of the field for Ward on an out route, which coverage-challenged ROLB Aaron Kampman was slow getting over to pick up. A genius call for a brand-new QB, who made a perfect throw in stride to Ward that allowed him to catch and run to the pylon. Simple, but smart and effective.

Trailing 14-7, Freeman made another set of key plays. On 2nd and 10 from the 20, Freeman play fakes nicely and rolls out left, finding Kellen Winslow on the run in stride for a 15 yard gain. Earnest Graham's block on the edge on Al Harris let Freeman roll out of the pocket, and he delivered a hard, straight-lined rope into Winslow's gut as he raced past the first down marker. Just a beautiful, effortless-looking throw on a dime from Josh and executed to perfection by the offense. Two plays later, Green Bay brought an inside blitz from both ILBs, but Josh side-stepped the rush and delivered another strike to an in-stride Derrick Ward, who split the safeties for a 39-yard gain, setting up an eventual touchdown.

However, his performance was not without some warts. Trailing 21-14 with 3 minutes left, Freeman threw a lollipop towards the sideline that SS Nick Collins pulled in for an interception. GR was in a zone coverage rolled to the right and the Bucs ran two WRs left on deep out and corner routes, and the pass was underthrown on the corner route and snared by Collins.

The FG drive before halftime was highlighted Freeman's scramble out of a collapsing pocket inside the 40 for a first down, which stopped the clock. He didn't take the sack and showed surprising speed for a big guy. Heady play. The preceding in route to Stovall was a rocket that was perfectly placed.

2nd half notes: I think his most impressive play all day was his TD pass to Winslow to make the score 28-23. Again in a two-back strong right shotgun formation, the exact same play... WR drag/WR seam/RB out... as the first TD, except Winslow and Clayton traded routes. As the pocket collapsed to his right, Freeman instinctively avoided the rush by rolling to his left while looking down the field the entire time. He put the ball high to Winslow, but in the only place that only Winslow could catch it, and his big receiver made a fine play for the TD. Just amazing he had the instincts and ability to slide away from the rush so quickly at the moment the pocket was breaking on him and maintain his reads. That's an innate skill you just don't teach. That was an encouraging sight.

On the 29-yard pass to Clayton to set up the winning score, Clayton ran a go route that Al Harris covered pretty well, taking away the sideline and remaining deeper. However, more likely by mistake than design, the pass was thrown short and Clayton made the adjustment coming back to the ball for the catch. Kudos to Caddy for picking up the blitzing linebacker up the middle that let Freeman get the pass off.

On the 4th down play to take the lead, the Bucs ran again in the shotgun set...one back, 4 WRs, strong right. Stroughter froze the DB on a hitch and go and Freeman lobbed a great ball to the corner of the end zone for the go ahead score. Appeared to be a tad bit high, but again Freeman put the ball in a place only his WR could get it and Stroughter made a solid catch. For a first-time rookie starter with the game on the line with under 5 min to play, that was as gutsy and clutch as it gets. Nerves of steel.

Overview for Week 10: Cautious optimism. My knock on Freeman coming out of school was his accuracy based on his low career completion percentage, but funny things happen between college and the pros, both for players with high expections who fail and underdogs who prove doubters wrong. It's too early to tell what we're looking at here, but you have to be encouraged by the poise and pocket awareness Josh showed, as well as the nice touch he had on several of his deeper throws along the sidelines and short throws in the back and corners of the end zone. The Dolphins boast one of the worst pass defenses statistically in the NFL, and with Olson's offensive tendencies going towards throwing the football this year, I look for Josh to have more opportunities to make some big plays down the field and continue to build the confidence of his teammates and the Buccaneer fans.

Week 9 Preview: Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Craig T — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:22:54 -0000

vs.

Overview: After a much-needed week off to nurse some bumps and try to get the nightmare of the London Massacre out of their domes, the Buccaneers return to the field this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium for a tilt with their former NFC Central rival, the Green Bay Packers. The Bay of Pigs, as Chris Berman donned it. Both teams come in looking to turn their seasons around, but for different reasons. The Packers come to town fresh off of the receiving end of a William Gay-esque trucking courtesy of Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. The Packers actually held up ok against AP and the Viking rushing attack on Sunday (allowed 110 yards), but surrendered 4 TD passes to the ol' gunslinger in an emotional homecoming at Lambeau. The Bucs come in looking for something, anything, to spark a fading, winless team following a curbstomping on the other side of the pond at the hands of the Patriots. Moreover, there are growing rumors among media outlets of off the field issues between the head coach and certain players. Well, the future is now in Tampa, as the Bucs have given the keys to the offense to rookie QB Josh Freeman in what will be his first career start. However, the Bucs are going to have to establish a consistent running attack to have any chance to sustain drives against the Packer defense.

3 Brief Keys to a Packer Victory:

1. Stick to the basics - run the ball. With the talent Green Bay has under center and at WR, the Packers have had success through the air. However, as will be discussed later, they have had major protection problems this month, with Rodgers winding up on his back far too often. No need to put Rodgers in harm's way too much this week. If the Packers feed the ball to Ryan Grant, they should find success against a Buccaneer defense that ranks dead last statistically against the run in the NFL.

2. Force Caddy off the road. With a rookie QB at the helm and two great cover corners, it's no doubt the Packers will try to take the Buccaneer running game out of play and force the Bucs to use Josh Freeman's untested arm to move the ball. Also, I doubt Freeman will be given much flex to audible at the line, so the Bucs could be looking at an aggressive set of run blitzes and unblocked safeties on a regular basis.

3. Your defense is quicksand... bury the new kid early. If the Pack can drop Freeman a few times early or force a turnover or two, the playbook will likely tighten up quickly and the young QB will become more and more timid to make another mistake. Doing so will force the Bucs into more predictable running plays early and into the Packer defensive front, which is playing well lately.

3 Brief Keys to a Buccaneer Victory:

1. Finally live up to that "we're going to be a violent team" moniker. For a team that has a healthy, impressive stable of backs and an O-line line chock full of returning starters, they sure don't do much to show them off. Take the fight to the Green Bay front 7 and run the ball early and often. Dive plays, misdirections, off-tackle runs, end arounds. For every running play, every down and distance, this team has a back for it. Finally use them all properly.

2. Baby steps... manage the game efficiently and stay out of 3rd and longs. Easier said than done, but sticking with the running game more than they have so far on 2nd down and 6-8 yds should make for more manageable 3rd down opportunities. Running the ball early will help establish play action at key times as well. Also, RB screen passes and WR hitches and screens are effective against the right defensive sets. Use them much more than you have so far. Remember, baby steps for your baby QB.

3. Continue to make life miserable for Rodgers. 19. That's how many times poor Aaron Rodgers has been sacked the past four games, averaging almost five per game. Rodgers and his stable of talented wideouts can decimate a defense if given time, so it'll be essential for Jimmy and Stylez to generate consistent pressure out of 4 and 5 man rushes, disrupt Rodgers, and put the Packers in a fair number of 2nd/3rd and long situations.

Buccaneer Offense vs. Packer Defense

The 2009 Packer defense ranks statistically as one of the league's best, although part of those stats come from holding the inept Lion and Brown offenses to 3 total points. They rank 2nd in total YPG at 283.4 and 10th against the run at 99.4 YPG. What's more impressive about that defensive statistic is that they've held the great Adrian Peterson to under 100 yards rushing in each game. The Packers employ a 3-4 front. A great part of the success of this scheme lies in their magnificent set of linebackers. Aaron Kampman moved to OLB from his 4-3 DE position and has held his own against the run, but is not generating much of a pass rush, totaling 2.5 sacks in '09. 1st round pick Clay Matthews mans the opposite side OLB. Matthews has already made impact plays as a rookie, stripping Peterson and returning it for a TD in the Pack's first matchup with Minny. Headhunters AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett man the middle of the line. All in all, this front 7 is big, physical, and very capable of stopping the run, but is susceptible in the passing game. There are opportunities for Winslow and Stevens to take advantage of some one-one-one matchups in man coverage on shorter routes.

That being said, everything starts up front for the Green Bay defense with their massive Nose Tackle, 340 lb Ryan Pickett. He's a space eater than commands double teams. The question is whether the center and guard can hold him in place or whether he can step into the A-gap and push the linemen back a few steps, closing the lane and forcing the RB outside towards the OLBs. If the Bucs want to establish a power interior running game (which are primary fakes for play-action), Jeff Faine and Zuttah/Joseph will have their hands full. They will have to at least hold the big guy at bay and create some narrow interior lanes for the backs.

Where the Buccaneers might find success running the football is off-tackle on the left side. RDE Cullin Jenkins is about 20 pounds lighter than his LDE counterpart, Johnny Jolly, and has generally been a more effective pass rusher than run-stopper. Big Donald Penn and Stevens can knock holes between the RDE and ROLB, with Earnest Graham opening up a hole to the secondary with a kickout block on the ILB.

In the secondary, veterans Al Harris and Charles Woodson are as good a pair of cover corners as a coach could hope for. They love to crowd the WR at the line and jam him off his routes. Although not as young as spring chickens anymore, both have seen it all and should be able to stick with the Buccaneer wideouts, although Bryant still can create some opportunities deep. However, as we've seen this season so far, if there's one spot where the Packer defense is soft, it's in the secondary right down the middle of the field. The Vikings exposed this weakness in both matchups, with Favre torching the secondary right down the middle. Moreover, both starting Packer safeties have missed time this year due to injury and SS Nick Collins left Sunday's game after colliding with FS Atari Bigby and is expected to be listed as questionable on this week's injury report. If the Bucs run the ball and work the short passing game as they should, the opportunity should be there to mix in shots to Antonio Bryant on a deep post in play action or the occassional seam/deep-in patterns to Winslow.

It's worth noting that the Defensive Coordinator Dom Caper has gone under scrutiny from his own players for questions of his schemes in recent games, namely their last 2 matchups with the Vikings. Charles Woodson and DEs Johnny Jolly and Cullen Jenkins have spoken out against the Packers' lack of aggressiveness against QB Brett Favre, and both have received private conversations from coaching for their dissent. Another team with internal turmoil... not a bad thing for the Bucs. With a first-time QB taking the reins for the Bucs, Capers would be foolish not to bring more pressure.

Packer Offense vs. Buccaneer Defense

The Packers' passing offense may rank 9th in the NFL, but Rodgers is having an MVP-calibur season. For the great numbers that Peyton Manning and Brett Favre have put up so far, Aaron Rodgers actually leads the NFL in pass efficiency at just over 110. He's been nothing short of great, especially with him having to continually check for pressure due to suspect offensive line play. He can scan the field, read the defense, and find the open receiver, spreading the ball around early and often to James Jones, Jennings, Driver, Finley, Havner, Donald Lee, and Ryan Grant.

However, the Green Bay offensive line, as noted, has been violated by opposing defenses this month, allowing 19 sacks in 4 games and a league-high 31 sacks on the season. The news isn't great for the Packers, as both tackles are fighting the injury bug. LT Chad Clifton is questionable for Sunday's game with a bum ankle, with RT Mark Tauscher fighting a sore knee. Although the Bucs haven't been confused recently as a team with a consistent pass rush, they should be able to reach double digits in QB hits on Sunday and hopefully tally 3 or 4 sacks. Heck, they'd better or else...

... Aaron Rodgers will pick them apart. The Packers love to run 3 and 4 wide in one back sets, creating opportunities on deep drag/in routes and timing patterns with their athetic receivers, presenting matchup problems for many teams in one-on-one situations. With Elbert Mack struggling this season, the Bucs will have trouble matching up against the Packers' slot receivers. TE Jermichael Finley, who is considered 50/50 to play Sunday, is a big target and a true threat down the field. If he's unable to go, Donald Lee is not much of a drop off and is a big weapon in play action between the backers and safeties and even more so in the red zone when matched up against a linebacker.

The Packers employ a zone blocking run scheme. Although their offensive line has been battered in the pass rush, they are agile and capable of getting outside in run blocking and getting to the secondary for the extra downfield block, making the offtackle runs and outside stretch plays a significant part of their running attack. It will be important for Hayes, Black, Piscitelli, Talib, and Barber to get off blocks and prevent Grant from getting a big lane outside and away from the middle of the defense.

What Will Happen: With a young QB at the helm, the Bucs will finally come out running the football effectively, mixing in an assortment of short passes early. However, the Packers defensive front will bend in the red zone and hold the Bucs to field goal attempts much of the day. The Bucs will get a strong push on Rodgers in the first half, but will tire in the 2nd half, as Rodgers finds more time to connect with Driver and Jennings, with Ryan Grant putting the game away in the 4th quarter late.

Line: Green Bay -10.5

Final Score: Packers 27, Buccaneers 16

Does Plaxico Burress Make Sense for the Bucs? (If I thought not, I should have my head examined.)

Craig T — Sat, 30 May 2009 01:20:38 -0000

via scrapetv.com

In the vast netherregion that is the NFL offseason, the two things that probably interest Bucs fans most is 1) the QB race, and 2) will the Bucs land another playmaker this offseason. Recently, the Bucs have raised some eyebrows about their semi-open interest in Plaxico Burress, despite his pending legal troubles.

For those wondering what's going on with that case, he turned down a plea bargain this week that would've sent him to the hole for only 3 months. As he's facing a 3+ year minimum sentence if convicted, that seems like a helluva deal to pass on, but whatever. I think his plan is to fight this thing long enough to try to play this season, but that might not save him from a suspension courtesy of Mr. Commish.

Thus, assuming arguendo that he is eligible to play and that he'd be willing to sign a one-year deal or a multi-year deal contingent on his staying out of the pokey and eligible to play... does he make sense for the Bucs to sign. Of freaking course he does. Cut out all the, "well, he's a problem guy/he's a criminal/we don't need a guy like him" garbage. Don't tell me you wouldn't secretly be giggling if he signed with the Bucs. It's a pretty simple question: do you want the Bucs to win? Yes. Does he make the Bucs better? No doubt. Are the Bucs better off without him? No. Has he carried as big a prima donna attitude or ripped apart a locker room like Terrell Owens has? Nopie. He almost single-handedly carried the Giants to the damn Super Bowl. Without Burress, the Giants became a 9-7-talent team. Antonio Bryant wants to talk about Boldin and Harrison helping take the Bucs to the Super Bowl, but Burress can. He's already done it.

Burress brings the complete package for a wide receiver, especially one in the Bucs' system. He's clearly a home run threat capable of winning jump balls over diminutive corners. We've seen that. More importantly, in the Bucs' new run-first scheme, they'll face numerous 3rd and short distances in which they need a big receiver to go over the middle on slants/digs, or take a hitch/curl pass and muscle it out for a first down. Plaxico can do those things very well and would provide the Bucs with that big target over the middle they currently lack. In the running game, he's a big, long-armed blocker who could help seal outside running lanes along with slot receive and uber-blocker Michael Clayton. If the opposing defense moves their nickel corner or free safety over to help on Plaxico, the running game instantly opens up for big plays off-tackle without that secondary help in the running lane.

Regarding whether Burress would behave, keep in mind that he's basically on probation in the commissioner's eyes right now. Even if he plays this fall without suspension, he's going to have to keep his nose clean, and Rosenhaus, as scummy as he is, won't let him forget that. In short, he has every reason in the world to keep his mouth shut, stay out of trouble, and show the commissioner he's not a problem.

So there it is. Marriage made in heaven as far as I'm concerned. I'm not going to put up a poll with options I can think of... you all know where I stand. I want you to weigh in below and let me know why or why not the Bucs should push hard for Burress.

Kellen Winslow Speaks Out Regarding His OTA Absence

Craig T — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:26:59 -0000

Kellen Winslow Speaks Out Regarding His OTA Absence

Private Winslow explained to the Times why he's missed the first 5 practice sessions of OTA - he's still moving from his home in San Diego. Granted, um, he's been a Buccaneer for months and signed his lucrative deal on April 6... so you'd think he would've had time to get things in order long ago. Whatever, it's not a big deal as far as I'm concerned, but I don't know how his teammates feel about a guy getting somewhat of a pass this early. As long as he works his ass off when he shows up and keeps his nose clean, it shouldn't be a big deal.

Fun With Captioning: Morris/Dominik Edition

Craig T — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:37:40 -0000

via www.tampabay.com

Add your proposed caption. Enjoy

Season Tickets Available: Pick Your Seat May 16

Craig T — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:27:22 -0000

After years of allegedly having a sizeable waiting list for tickets, the Bucs are pulling the old "come out and choose your seat" day of yore, beginning May 16 @ 10 am at Raymond James Stadium. According to the mailer I just received, it'll be Saturday/Sunday, May 16/17 from 10 am to 6 pm both days. For those of you feeling like upgrading your seats or finally getting on board, enjoy the festivities.

Some folks take pride in being a season ticket holder. I prefer to just wait til kickoff and get what I want. Moreover, it'd be hard to sell tickets this year for face or better on ebay for games you can't attend... where someone can just call the ticket office and order tickets for face.

Bucs Sign Undrafted Free Agents on Monday

Craig T — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:02:20 -0000

Bucs Sign Undrafted Free Agents on Monday

Some notable players signed free agent deals today, including Quan Cosby, Greg Carr, Taurus Johnson, and Graham Harrell. Unfortunately, none of them signed with the Bucs. The Bucs did sign CB DeAngelo Willingham out of Tennessee, who brings good size to the table for a corner at 5'11, 215 lbs. The Bucs also signed a couple of local guys to tryout contracts - former Tampa Bay Tech standout/Notre Dame LB Maurice Crum and former USF DE Jarriett Buie. The Bucs worked out Crum a few weeks ago and appear genuinely interested in him. If he claims a roster spot, he could add some competition to the open tryout for the outside linebacker spots. Buie is a speedster who is a little small for a full-time DE, but could be effective as a situational pass rusher. He ran a 4.73 40 time at the combine.

DISCLAIMER: Someone chime in if they know more, but I believe a tryout contract is basically an agreement for a team to have the exclusive right to bring that player into training camp to tryout for the team.

Post-Draft Musings: What do we know now?

Craig T — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:57:30 -0000

More photos » by Craig Ruttle - AP

6 months ago: Josh Freeman, a quarterback from Kansas State, talks to the media after the was is selected 17th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall Saturday, April 25, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

Browse more photos »

Sorry I missed out on much of the draft on here. It was bad enough having to miss significant chunks of the draft on TV. It was worse not being on here to celebrate and commisserate during the ups and downs of the draft. Wait til you youngsters get that ball and chain locked on your ankle (that's an adult joke for getting married, BTW). Not so easy to get a whole weekend free in my household in any non-football month. That said, it certainly was an.... interesting.... draft, both for the Bucs and around the league.

- Well, there we have it. Josh Freeman is the face of this franchise going forward. He's it. He's the man, like it or hate it. My opinion? Meh, ok. It was no secret that I stongly wished the Bucs would address another in the first round. However, it's clear the Bucs see enough upside and promise to stick their necks and reputation on the line by drafting him with the first selection of their tenure. Arm strength? Check. Size? Check. Confidence? Uh-huh. Coconut to play in NFL system? Don't know and probably won't know for at least 2 years. Unfortunately, the latter is probably the most important thing, so for those of us who are impatient by nature, it'll be frustrating to wait to see how he develops with his ability to adjust at the line, progress through reads, and read NFL defenses. To be clear, I am pulling for Josh Freeman to succeed. I have concerns that he will, but I really hope my guy Maxumas' faith in Mr. Freeman proves to be well-taken.

-So, at what point did Mark Dominik become sold on QB Josh Freeman? Perhaps that impressive road beatdown of the Texas Longhorns in 2007? Maybe the OU game where he threw for 400-something yards? Nope. Per Mark Dominik on AM 620 today, it was the Kansas game in which the Jayhawks hung a 52-21 smackdown of the Wildcats, where Freeman went 22-37 for 207 yds with 0 TDs and 3 picks. I...., um, don't get it. I admittedly didn't see the game, but I guess they saw something they liked.

-So what does the pick mean for the other QBs on the roster? I think Brian Griese will ultimately be the odd man out, and he might not see training camp. If he does, he will likely be battling Leftwich for a roster spot with McCown. Ultimately, I see Leftwich staying on the roster to mentor his new buddy Freeman and McCown possibly earning the starting gig come the start of the season. It wouldn't shock me if Freeman earns the starting gig, but I have to think the Bucs will work him into the league slowly. Josh Johnson will likely be passed down to the practice squad.

-I was frustrated that a guy like Jeremy Maclin fell in the Bucs' collective lap. I think Maclin was possibly the steal of the draft and will form a sick connection with McNabb. Suddenly, the Eagles are starting to form a fearsome passing threat, with Maclin joining the always dangerous receiving RB Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, and now Cornelius Ingram. I hope this one won't end up hurting down the line.

- DT Roy Miller was an excellent pick. He was the strongest DT at the combine, putting up 225 36 times (wow). His strength is stuffing the line, eating blocks, and holding his ground in the running game, which is certainly what we're looking for in both our D-tackle positions. Right now, he's got the size to play both tackle positions at 310. Raheem said today that he envisions Roy's playing weight to be between 301-310 pounds. As long as he stays on the heavier side of that range, he should be able to fill both tackle spots with ease. I think the Bucs got good value here.

-DE Kyle Moore also addresses a need, so I really can't knock the selection of him (didn't like trading up to get him, but whatever). He did have six sacks last season, but tended to disappear in some games. I like his size at 6'5, 270 lbs... which should make him a potential every down pass/rush DE. He should be able to rush either at LDE or possibly inside in passing situations.

-I'm a little disappointed the Bucs didn't do more to take an undrafted free agent WR after the draft, namely Quan Cosby or Greg Carr (as well noted by JScott). It seems apparent that Coach Morris is bringing in tons of competition at each position, so why not do the same for the WR position? I think it could use another potential playmaker or two, especially for a slot guy. Maybe it means they have some faith in Dexter Jackson, or maybe they have someone else in mind they think will step up. Sammie Stroughter might have the goods to compete for significant playing time in the slot and may earn a long look as a returner.

Seattle Seahawks Lift Franchise Tag Off of Leroy Hill

Craig T — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:01:20 -0000

Seattle Seahawks Lift Franchise Tag Off of Leroy Hill

After addressing defense with their first pick by nabbing outstanding OLB Aaron Curry, the Seattle Seahawks have removed the franchise tag on OLB Leroy Hill, making him an unrestricted free agent free to negotiate with any team. I know we seem to talk ad nauseum about so-and-so signing with the Bucs when someone hits the market and it never happens, but this guy is a proven player, and a player the Bucs could plug in and start. If I'm Mark Dominik, and I've just ~~soiled my pants in the first round~~ passed up an opportunity to address the defense in the first round by trading down or drafting an impact player, I get on the phone now and call his agent. My goodness gracious, you've got the cap room.... just get it done. If you sign him, suddenly your draft looks a heckuva lot better. You'd have the impact defender you'd hope to have gotten in the first round, your alleged franchise QB, and a DT that'll add depth to a suspect line.

Bucs poised to draft QB freeman? League source says so.

Craig T — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:59:03 -0000

Bucs poised to draft QB freeman? League source says so.

Lord, please don't let this be true. For those who told me I was stupid for continuing to worry despite signing Leftwich (at no harm of cutting Leftwich for the Bucs, I did point out before!), you all know what you can do. Raheem, Mark... guys... get your heads on straight. This had better be posturing. We'll know in 24 hours.