In a down year, rookies contribute
by Paul Mueller on Jan 1, 2010 11:19 AM EST
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PrintThe team has seen better days. The franchise, better seasons. The fans, better games. With consecutive wins on the road the past two weeks, the Buccaneers will close the 2009 campaign giving fans something to hang on to. A couple of victories, well-played, well-coached games in hostile environments and better play from the defense and the young stars.
The Draft has never really been the Buccaneers’ thing. Just ask Dexter Jackson and Gaines Adams. However, in recent years the Bucs have had increasing success on draft day, especially in later rounds with players like Quincy Black (3rd round), Geno Hayes (6th round) and Tanard Jackson (4th round).
In 2009, rookie production was at an all-time high with players like defensive tackle Roy Miller (3rd round), wide receiver Sammie Stroughter (7th round) and, of course, first-round selection and franchise quarterback Josh Freeman.
"They say the second year is always the tell-tale year for a draft class," head coach Raheem Morris said. "That’s when they make the most improvement or the biggest jumps. But for the most part, you’d have to say it was pretty productive."
"You’re talking about the guy that comes in as the third tackle and gets 40 snaps per game," Morris said. "He’s fought his way through, played pretty well, played good at times, played bad at times, had his ups and downs but been a contributor. Whenever you’re talking about rookies contributing you’ve got to make that a positive note. Next year will obviously be the tell-tale of where he is and who he is."
Miller’s play has tailed-off toward the end of the season, recording just 3.5 tackles and no sacks in the last four games, as he adjusts to the physicality and length of the NFL season. But he also remains optimistic that 2010 will bring success to himself and the defense.
"I haven’t hit the wall, so to speak," Miller said, "but I’ve got a couple injuries here and there I’ve been trying to fight through. That’s one thing I’ve learned about the NFL – you’ve got to keep playing, you’ve got to keep fighting. Things aren’t always going to go the way you want them to go but it’s a long season. Just as a pro, you’ve got to be tough and you’ve got to be able to finish."
Though Stroughter is currently on injured reserve, his 31 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown proves he’s not only a viable option as a No. 3 receiver, but also as a threat on special teams, averaging almost 30 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown.
Now 3-5 as a starter, Freeman has also shown the potential to be the quarterback the Bucs drafted him to be: The franchise player. Though he has struggled with interceptions and reading coverages at times, his overall competency and physical ability show he has the tools to play quarterback in the NFL.
"I learned a lot," Freeman said. "I learned a lot about different situations and a lot about reading defenses. I learned a lot about patience and what I need to work on as far as game management and making certain throws. There is a lot that I have learned. This offseason we are going to leave no stone unturned. We are going to watch every piece of film that you can imagine. We are going to try to set up a good workout plan to try to get ready and set up for next year."
At 3-12, next year is all the Bucs really have. The sophomore campaign for these young players and their rookie head coach will likely define not only their careers, but the direction of the franchise to start the next decade.
"They’ve been up, they’ve been down," Morris said, "back and forth, talking about rookies, talking about second-year players, talking about all those types of guys. I feel really good about that class."
The countdown to the 2010 NFL Draft starts Sunday.
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Not sure who could vote this as an A
Josh Freeman looked no better than a C, even at his best I could hardly give him an A and he looked like an F at times.
Here are my grades
Freeman – C-
Miller – C- He has a ways to go. He played high at times, was unable to get off blocks and generally wasn’t a factor. The talents there, but he vastly underperformed my high expectations.
Kyle Moore – D- Inured for 8 games. Looked very soft and slow in others. Probably won’t be a starting DL in this league.
Xavier Fulton – Incomplete – IR
EJ Biggers – Incomplete – IR
Sammie Stroughter – B+ – Was never a huge threat in the passing game, although he showed some flashes, but he made his impact known in the return game. I have said before, but this is a plug and play return game thanks to Bisaccia (Who we have since lost) and his scheme. Although, Stroughter showed that he can make athletic moves and take a kick/punt to the house.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
So looking at those.....
not sure how you would ever come out with an A or a B.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
your way to hard on Freeman. Still.
at best a C huh? So the Green Bay game is a C?
Maybe Im just grading on a sliding scale because I know he is a rookie, but the grade is for the entire draft.
We got value out of every position, and K2 must be included in that as well. I put B to be honest, because the 95 draft is an A. Plus you really cant grade a draft for a few years.
Glazers wont Cowher to pressure, Morris will be back in 2010
We had that debate after the GNB game
On a wider scale he was mediocre. If you are grading him on a rookie curve he was good. Not pulling up the numbers, I have a pounding headache and can’t stand to look at numbers.
"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"
LOL
Yes Numbers tend to do that.
I think he is better than mediocre, but I dont think you can take out the fact that he is a rookie.
Its something you must deal with when grading him.
Doug Williams didnt have good stats at all. In 1979 he threw for under 50% completion.
The Bucs DO NOT win the 79 NFC Central without Doug Williams.
Jim McMahon could hardly throw a spiral, he wasnt really a good QB at all. Yet the Bears dont win the Superbowl in 85 without him, and he had a sick winning % vs other NFC Central foes, and it wasnt all because of the defense.
Terry Bradshaw, another guy with very low completion percentage and lots of Interceptions.
and 4 shiny things.
anyway, I suppose we debate this further a long the way in 2010
Glazers wont Cowher to pressure, Morris will be back in 2010
I feel that Morris/Dominik offseason was a great accomplishment
Freeman has McNabb potiential
Roy Miller with the right help will be an impact DT in this league
Kyle Moore might not start in this league but will be a good contributor for rotation
Stroughter had the biggest splash of the rookies and will be a great slot receiver for years to come
Winslow trade speaks for itself, he was by far the offensive MVP this season
With Cadillac returning strong, Ward didn’t have the opprotunity to produce
I’m excited to see what this offseason brings…..they took out the trash and picked up a second rounder for it.
Miller, McCoy would be an amazing combo
to stuff up the middle for years to come!
"Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs" - John McKay
Agree with Buccanator
This draft could turn out to be the best in a while..Freeman looks like he’ll be the guy..Miller probably will start next season with a new starter..Moore looks like a rotational player with the potential to start..Stroughter is the man for the slot..Fulton and Biggers have been injured and not to forget the 2nd rounder given up for K2 looks great..i’ll give a pass mark on this year’s draft
I think Morris is off by a year
The 3rd year is the tell tale year
Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow
by Buc Wild on Jan 1, 2010 3:02 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I think it varies by positions
The 3rd year is supposed to be the tell tale year for some positions like wide receivers, but other positions are expected to contribute sooner. I’d tend to agree with you though. 3rd year is much better for complete picture.
"Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs" - John McKay
I'd say
They were a B….I mean lets face it after we Traded Adams our Defensive pressure got better with more time to the rookies, I don’t think anyone expects a 7th rounder to play as well as Sammie did, and Though Freeman has looked horrible he did give us our first win, and obviously helped alot with our last 2. Looking at a potential 0-16 season, just the fact that we won 3 games lets me know the Rookies are doing something well…. even if it isn’t on the field or on the stats sheets…..
Do you think our rookies contributed more or less
than rookies on other teams? Are we just searching for a bright spot in this dismal season? I gave the rooks a well deserved C. Freeman has been meh, he has has shown some flashes, but has also made some mistakes that he should have gotten out of his system in college and are absolutely unacceptable for a NFL QB (fumble-itis specifically). Everyone gives Sanchez a hard time but he only threw 20 picks during the whole season, Freeman has thrown 16 in 7 games! Not getting more than a C out of me.
The play of Miller warrants a solid B, and the play of Stroughter is undoubtedly an A. I will be surprised if Biggers or Fulton will even be given a shot next year, and Moore continues to intrigue me.
"Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs" - John McKay
Lee, Lee, Lee . . .
Be easy on Freeman for a change. Fumble-itis!? He’s only fumbles 3 times and lost just one! That’s not bad for a quarterback, considering 6 of the top 10 QBs in the league have lost 3 or more. The picks are inexcusable, I’ll give you that, but that’s expected when you’re always playing from behind and forced to try and make something happen. I give him a B because if the interceptions. Every other aspect of his game has been pretty solid for a rookie.
"I'm throwing rocks tonight. Mark it, Dude" - Donny
Freeman has fumbled nine times
but only two have been lost. Each time he fumbles it is still a lost play and negative yardage. Usually killing drives. My point was that he should have mastered the quarterback/center exchange in college (or high school even).
"Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs" - John McKay
I disagree, fumbling is typical for rookie qbs, shawn king was terrible at it with his small hands...
as for throwing picks, they all do it, I like a guy who says " Oh Well" and gets over them than a guy who dwells on it too much.
As I stated above, Doug Williams, Jim McMahon, Terry Bradshaw, all had unimpressive stats during their whole careers, except the W column.
QB is now something we do not have to worry about in Tampa Bay for many many years to come
Glazers wont Cowher to pressure, Morris will be back in 2010
I wouldn't be casting Freeman's hall of fame bust just yet Niko
I don’t think we can just give the kid a pass and say the position isn’t something we have to worry about for years! He turned the ball over twenty times in 8 games! Granted, he is a rookie and some turnovers are expected but that is a LOT of turnovers buddy. Didn’t look like he had learned how to read coverages yet yesterday vs. Atlanta.
"Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs" - John McKay
Ask me this 7 months ago, I would of said a F.
i thought Freeman was a complete bust. he hasnt proved to be the franchise guy, but at a high number 1, hes looking like a steal so far. Definatley not a bust. Tell me one player the Bucs could of drafted instead of Freeman that would of had more of an immediate impact and much much more promise at that spot! He could be the Dan Marino of 09 draft. If you dont know what I mean by that…look it up Dan the mans draft position.
"I meant to misspell that word, just observing who would correct me."
My big problem with your statement is why would you grade him an F 7 months ago when he didnt do ANYTHING yet.
But glad you like him now.
And yes, Danny Boy was one of the last of the great QBs to get picked in the first round.
Glazers wont Cowher to pressure, Morris will be back in 2010
Exactly, what's up with the preseason F?
If Freeman turns out to be the real deal for years to come, it is an A++. Of course, right now it is too soon to know for sure, but as a rookie, I am very happy with him. There are A LOT of QBs with gaudy interception numbers early in their careers, but Freeman looks like a leader and a winner. Stroughter looks like Ike Hilliard out there, and the others still have something to prove. If we get what I expect from Freeman and Stroughter this draft will be fondly remembered by Bucs fans for years to come.
Gary Williams for President!
Put Rose in the Hall of Fame
There are (at least) two schools of thought when it comes to judging Josh Freeman's 2009
You can look at the interceptions and the mistakes and the record (even in context of the team) and give him a mediocre grade, rating, whatever.
On the other hand, looking at the big picture, staking as much as we did developmentwise and draft picks to Freeman is a big investment. A lot has gone wrong this year, and the front office has gotten a lot of criticism. But it seems to me Freeman has shown the tools to help countless people in the Bay go to sleep at night knowing, for the time being, the Bucs got this one right. Now, if Freeman plateaus or even regresses years from now yeah its a ‘bust’ or a ‘mistake.’ However, I think he’s shown enough to warrant the franchise qb potential.
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