Raheem Morris on rookie QB Josh Freeman: 'He has to lead us'

Raheem Morris, fresh off a Gatorade bath courtesy of Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward, was ecstatic about his first victory as a head coach.

Afterward, there were plenty of questions from the assembled media about QB Josh Freeman, who helped will the Bucs to the win and finished 14 of 31 for 205 yards with three TDs and one interception.

"We still have to be patient," Morris said of Freeman. "We still have to let him grow. He made some mistakes he can go back and look at that will allow him to get better an better. . . His age doesn't matter at this point. He has to (play like) a 7-year vet. He has to lead us where we need to go."

Asked about Freeman orchestrating a come-from-behind win in his first start, Morris said composure was one of the things that attracted the team to Freeman.

"It was why we brought him in here, why we brought him in to lead this franchise," Morris said. "I am sure you (reporters) can feel how poised he was out there, never really rattled. (He) made some mistakes, which all young quarterbacks do. . . When he goes out there, you feel that you have a chance to win, you have the ability to win."

Freeman's performance isn't a total surprise to me. I think a lot of his most impressive throws are a result of the kind of pedigree he has. But what did come as a surprise was his ability to evade the pass rush while still keeping the option to throw. Whereas Byron Leftwich has no mobility and Josh Johnson tends to run before exploring all his options, Freeman found a balance between running and holding out a little longer.

He made some gaffes, as Morris admitted. He took a sack inside his own 5-yard line. He slid short of a first down in a third-and-short situation. He floated a ball into traffic and was picked off. But he offsets that by making impressive throws like the one to Sammie Stroughter for the game-winning touchdown and an earlier out route thrown across his body to Kellen Winslow that picked up a key first down. 

Who knows what happens next week and beyond? But, for the first time in a long time, it sure looks like the Bucs have something to work with at a position that has hamstrung them for years.

Comments

[Valrico Rick]

I was impressed, and noticed that they ran several offensive plays that I don't remember seeing before! Although Freeman looked like he can handle the job and the offense made some plays, it was great play by the special teams and the defense that won this one for the Bucs!

[Robert]

Val, definetly seen some plays that were not there for Lefty or JJ. When Peanut came on the field and lined up in the back field I had a feeling they were going to try and run a trick play. They have said before that Peanut has a pretty good arm and there was no reason for Caddy or Ward not to be in. Looked like Stovall got free, but Peanut made a bad throw.

JJBJEFF, I know I took a beating this week, but it happend. Before today Rodgers had 2 int's. After today with the pressure our DL got onn him he left with 5. I know Mack got burnt and Ronde gambled and lost, but think about how many times Rodgers had to hold onto the ball in the 2nd half because of the coverage down field. If our DL can get pressure on the QB between TJ, Talib, and Ronde we have some ball hawks. Just have to stop giving up the big one.

Anyway, Freeman was great and I hope all Buc fans enjoyed this one as much as I did.(Hopefully everybody was drunk and depressed and will actually remember this come from behind, 4th quarter win!) Our rookie, making his first start, lead us to a come from behind victory in the 4th quarter. GOTTA LOVE IT! I think the future is bright.

[Robert]

Wasn't drunk and depressed, my mistake

[Larry]

This one was a total team effort. D-line pressure, interceptions, a blocked punt, a big kick return, and a young QB showing remarkable composure under the circumstances.

Got to admit that Josh Freeman was impressive. Good pocket presence, strong arm, did a good job of staying within himself. You have to hope that we were watching the real Josh Freeman and not somebody having a really lucky day - that said he sure looked like the real deal.

Now if we could only stop giving up long TD passes on defense I might be able to stop taking anti-nausea meds just before kickoff!

[Dspkable]

ah, sweet relief. Now how do I hope the Bucs turn around this season AND get a top three draft pick? I'm torn, but I hope the team gels and gets its confidence back.

It sure was good to see the team finally smiling on the sideline about some great plays made. Good job BUCS, and congratulations on your first start Josh Freeman.

[Tom]

Interesting. Not a single post about "soul glow" being at bust, wasted pick, never had big numbers in the Big 12, etc. There were even posts about wishing he would fail so we can pick Colt McCoy next year. Just plain idiotic.

Freeman not only showed that he has elite NFL talent, but he's got poise. And he's only 21 years old!!

[Dick Weed]

Yeah, playing against a team in a tailspin with a horrific game plan and dinged up QB. No matter what, Freeman would have been available in the 3rd round. Your take is moronic but thanks for checking in.

[DR]

Oh yeah, let's praise the Lions for drafting Stafford who likes a joke and the Jets for moving up and drafting Mark Sanchez. Those two look a lot better than Freeman, LOL!

[Steven]

Ms. Weed, try to hate on the win all you'd like. You just (continue) to lose any credibility as a blogger with something of substance to contribute. I had little confidence in what Freeman might do against Green Bay. I did not agree with us drafting him. That said, I want nothing more than him and the team to prove me wrong. Yesterday there was a glimpse of that with what was clearly a well balanced, composed effort by a rookie QB. This is a good thing if you're a fan, regardless of what you thought before you (we) ever saw him play. If he builds on this performance, we will actually have a quality QB.

[TrueBucFan]

Tom you always jump the gun, its far too early to say Freeman is an elite NFL talent. He missed alot of easy passes. He truly only looked good in the red zone. Tom if Freeman comes out next game and does horrible you will eat those words, so why don't you wait until the end of the season before you call him elite. Just relax there buddy, Rob Johnson signed a huge deal in Buffalo years ago because of one game he stepped in for the Jags. Rob Johnson turned out to suck and I bet if you saw him after that game you would have said he is an elite NFL QB. Give Freeman a few more games. You amaze me. An elite NFL QB? Yeah he is the soul glow Jesus. One game dude, one game. Now if he gets better and better and lights it up every game I'll agree. But the verdict is still out.

[Tom]

It's too early to annoint Freeman as the next Roethlisberger. But, coming out of college, I thought he possessed every skill that is necessary for an elite QB. He has a cannon arm, good accuracy, playmaking ability, great mobility and played in a pro style offense at K State. You guys gave me hell for saying this earlier in the year. Now, I feel pretty good this morning and you're eating crow.

[Vincent]

Well said Tom! However, I wouldn't exactly say people are "eating crow" after only one game with Freeman. What's worse is that as soon as Freeman has a 3 int game, people are going to be calling him the worst pick the BUCS ever made. The truth is, we need two full years of Freeman, and then only in the third season, are we going to know what kind of QB he has become. Like all matters concerning the Bucs we are just collecting data at this point. Morris isn't all of a sudden the greatest coach, nor was he a failure, the team isn't suddenly great, nor were the failures. One truly bright spot, the Bucs special teams unit is officially an elite corps in the league!

[Vincent]

One more thing. I think the QB position is the poorest evaluated position of all NFL draft prospects. Players that excel in college, are less than impressive in the pros, and vice versa. All we know about Freeman is he's got an incredible football Physique, a very strong arm, he's mobile, and had ONE good game, nothing more. I personally felt he had more upside than any of the QB's coming out of college including Mccoy, Teabow, and this years class. Yet at this point, it's all speculation and conjecture! Only time will tell, and only patience will beget excellence!

[Tom]

Vincent,
I agree with 100%. No one knows how Freeman is going to turn out. But, if I was GM looking for a franchise QB, which this team desperately needed, I would look for the ability to make all of the NFL throws, pocket presence and mobility, production and experience in a pro style offense.

There were two throws that stuck in my mind at the game yesterday. The out pass to Winslow on the winning drive. Watching that throw live was very impressive. And one he threw away under pressure. Not only did he show smarts by getting rid of it, but he flicked that thing nearly 50 yards out of bounds. His arm strength is incredible.

[Robert]

Tom and Vincent, I am with you. Alot of ppl were calling freeman a bust before he played a snap. The truth is it was only 1 game, but that 1 game went about as well as it could have went. He wasnt making his first start for a 3-3 team. We were 0-7 and losing in the 4th quarter. Look at Stafford, he threw 5 int's yesterday. I know Freeman will go through growing pains, but he has intangibles you cant teach. He is loaded with confidence, has a cannon, is mobile for a big guy, and shows great poise for being 21. You can teach a guy to read Defenses and make better decsions while going through his reads, but not the other.

I will wait a while to get to excited, but feel even better about Freeman today than 2 weeks ago.

Another thing for ppl who keep saying DOM isnt a good GM. Yesterday our 1st rd pick, making his 1st start for an 0-7 team, through 3td's and 1 int, our 3rd pick had his 2nd sack and has looked very good on a usually bad DL, and our 7th rd WR, who has already been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, caught a TD from another rookie. That TD Stroughter caught was not just a throw and catch. That was a beautiful catch on 4th down with the game on the line.

Bennet, DOM got off waivers, also had a sack. We will get to see Moore soon, but Dom has 3 rookies and a waiver pick up performing in his fisrt year. I like those numbers and think hee is our guy. Let's not forget he is responsible for peanut too.

[Vincent]

What really impressed me Tom, was the "PUMP FAKE" before he threw to Stroughter in the endzone! Why that was so important is that it showed poise, for only a QB that was under control, and not strife with trepidation and fear, would feel loose enough to pump fake especially on 4th down for a TD! NOW THAT play gives us more information on Freeman, than any other play in the game. Why? PRESSURE! He had all the pressure in the world, it was fourth down and this was not only his rookie year, but his first start, and it was victory or defeat on that play. SO what we know at least, is he at this point in time, stayed mentally tough and relaxed despite tremendous pressure. That's the only quality I could desire more in a QB than Arm Strength and accuracy.

[Vincent]

Regarding the draft. Most all the players they chose to cut, aren't working in the NFL right now. MY hope is that if they clearly know who to realase, then maybe they know who to pick up? Granted, it's a loose correlation, but it's all we have to go on at this point.

[TrueBucFan]

Tom, You sound like Morris after the Dallas game about Clayton. That's all I got to say. Morris crowned Clayton too early too. Sometimes you got to shut your mouth and wait and see before you call someone elite. Morris learned the hard way too. I never called Freeman a bust, I just did not think we should have drafted him, still don't, No one knew what Luke could have done ether. We needed D line and guess what we still do.

[Tom]

TrueBucFan,
I prefaced by saying it is way too early to crown Freeman right now. 99% of the regular bloggers here called Freeman a bust before he even took one snap. And now, not one word of Freeman being a bust this Monday. And give me a break about Luke McCown. He is a career backup and if anyone thinks differently, really doesn't understand football. If you were ready to hand this franchise over to Luke McCown, then thank goodness your opinion only gets stated in these blogs rather than in real life.

Freeman might well be a bust. Who knows? But, I'm excited to see more because he has as much physical talent as ANY QB in this league. But so does JaMarcus Russell. That has been my only point. I'm not stupid enough to call him a bust in the preseason!

[Tom]

Vincent,
Great observation. I'm glad you're one of the few people here that understand the nuances of football. Freeman always keeps his eyes upfield. He sees the field very well, even under heavy pressure. And he climbs the pocket to make a throw, not dance around it like JJ. I would still like to throw JJ in on certain situations because he thinks he is a playmaker.

[Tom]

I think he's a playmaker

[Robert]

Im with Tom on McClown. The dude is horrible under pressure and threw more ints than td's. I gurantee he doesnt make that throw on 4th down with the game on the line. TRUEBUCFAN, thank god u r not the GM. I think Rah is going to end up being right and Freeman i going to be better than Stafford and Sanchez. Stafford has looked horrible and Sanchez has the number 1 running team in the NFL and he still looks terrible too.

Rah and Morris have 3 guys from this draft already producing and a waiver pick up. If they draft well again this year we will be back in front of the NFC South before you know it.

Tom, there was just a few of saying Freeman needs to play before ppl call him a bust and it is so funny to read the posts today. Everybody wants to be a critic and a couch GM, but doesnt understand what it takes to win in the NFL. You cant teach confidence, a cannon for a arm, poise, or 6 foot 6 250 and being able to get out of the pocket and get positive yards. It was only 1 start, but it was for a team that was 0-7 and losing by 11 in the 4th quarter. I have a feeling Freeman will be wearing Pewter for a long time and that is exciting.

[Tom]

3:09,
If you watch Freeman closely enough, you'll find a lot to like on film. One of my favorite qualities in a QB is pocket presence. Tom Brady is the most mobile pocket QB in the league. He's not going to scramble for yards but he sidesteps just enough to open a throwing lane. When watching Freeman, I noticed in his K State days, he climbs the ladder in the pocket and keeps his eyes upfield. He sets his feet well and doesn't throw off his back foot. Watch the highlights of his throws yesterday, he steps into all of his throws.

[Robert]

Tom, he did look great in the pocket and only took 1 sack. The 1 int he threw I think he made the mistake of throwing of 1 foot, but only let that happen once. What goes along with having that pocket presence is having the size to really get a good look at the whole field. This kid really posses alot of qualities you just cant teach.

[Robert]

Tom, I have to fix my name, but its Robert. I accidently messed that up, but will fix.

[Robert]

Alright, fixed that. Dont want to be 1 of the ANOYNOMOS posters.

[TrueBucFan]

It amazes me, same thing you say about McCown is what people said about Rodgers. Hey Robert, I'm glad you say that now about McCown, I can bring up some old blogs where you praised him. Hell Robert I remember you saying the Glazers were cheap because they were Jews. Remember that? I'm glad you don't think anything about my opinion, I feel the same way about you. And yes I know from other blogs where to find you so you can beat me up.

[jjbjeff]

I'm here for my plate of crow. MMMMMMMMM! It never tasted so good!

Robert, you were right about Freeman and this game. When you posted that you thought they would win this game I thought there was absolutely no way our offense especially could do anything against the Packers D. They proved me wrong. Good call.

I really never gave FREE a chance. I didn't want to draft him. I feel a little bad about the FREE-loader nickname. He never deserved that. So today he is FREE-style. He played the game with style, and he led this team to victory.

I am so glad they stepped up and won. The reason I criticize is because I really love this team and I want them to win. I'm glad they proved me wrong.

[TrueBucFan]

And my point to you Tom, like I said before defense wins championships. I think Freeman was a wasted number 1. Especially since no one else was going to draft him in the first round but Tampa. Something could have been done to trade down and get more picks and get Freeman in the 2nd, especially since Dominick is that good Gm you say he is. If it was going to be a rebuilding year.. They should have took the 1996 draft approach and drafted mainly defense and since Mark Dominick is the great GM you say he is Tom then he would have got us all studs. Big Ben would not have 2 Superbowls without that number 1 steelers d that got him there both times and won it for him in 05. A great defense and an above average QB will go farther then a crappy d and a super star QB. Ask Jay Cutler that.

[TrueBucFan]

Big Ben would not be much without that great Defense that saves his butt after all the picks he throws. Last year Big Ben had 17 tds and 15 ints. That number 1 defense in the league saved his elite butt alot Tom.

[GoBucs]

You better watch out TRUEBUCFAN or Robert will come throw the computer and rip your head off. Robert did praise McCown. How easily he forgets. The amazing Freeman and his perfect 14 for 31 game. And if he gets killed by Miami which has a way better pass rush then GB. And Freeman does not show that pose and pocket presence. Tom will say its okay he is young. Tom, who thinks McCoy is going to suck because he plays a spread offense. That was funny. The Soul Glow Jesus. He walks on water and delivers balls in the back of the End Zone.

[Tom]

Go Bucs,
You're the clown that said Freeman was a bust before he even played one down. I never said McCoy would suck because he runs a spread offense. I said Tim Tebow would have a hard time in the NFL because he has a suspect arm and runs a spread OPTION offense at UF. Get your facts straight.

[Tom]

TrueBucFan,
You have some serious memory loss. The Bucs bypassed the Broncos in the draft to get Freeman because there was a lot of indication that Denver would pick him ahead of the Bucs. The Broncos, at the time, were scrambling to get a replacement for their franchise QB going to Chicago.

Furthermore, several notable names, including Gil Brandt, a very respected name in the NFL, had Freeman rated higher than Mark Sanchez.

Anyways, if you think that Ben Roethlisberger is only good because he has a good defense, you're off your rocker. Did you watch the last Super Bowl? Big Ben is an elite QB, regardless of what kind of defense his team has. Yeah, he threw 15 INTs but also had over 3300 yds passing and a career 63% accuracy and 90.9 QB ratintg. Dude, if you think Big Ben is average, you're seriously losing credibilty.

[Robert]

U guys r morons. I ssaid from the beginning of camp that Lefty would win the job. I never wanted McClown to be our QB and u r full of it so please get a life. I may have said McClown made some nice plays, but never PRAISED mcClown or wanted him as my QB. He is a BACKUP who throws more INT's than TD's so please get a life and you facts right.

GOBUCS, Tom knows alot more than you if you think McCoy isnt going to be a bust. Bradford will be a bust too. Take a look at recent history and QB's that play in spread offenses and what they have done in the NFL. NOT A WHOLE LOT! Stafford ran a more pro style offense, so did Sanchez, and the same with Freeman. So give me a break, GOBUCS and TRUEBUCFAN, you both ripped Freeman before he got his shot and now u look like fools. The 14 of 31 doesnt even tell the whole story considering Stroughter had a Drop, Caddy had 3, EG had one, and a few others. GET A LIFE!

[Robert]

TrueBUC, I did say something real stupid about the Glazers and I am guilty of that mistake. I was p'd off because they were not putting any of the money they made with the Bucs back into the team and were 30mil under the cap. I let my feelings get the best of me and being Human made a Stupid mistake. You are right and I said that. IM sorry and sure you have made a few mistakes of your own.

[Robert]

JJBJEFF, thank you for the praise. It just came down to the DL coming up big and forcing Rodgers into pressure situations. He began the day with 2int's and finished with 5. What impressed me more is that some of those sacks were coverge sacks. I know Barber gambled and lost and Mack got beat, but our DB's played pretty well otherwise. What did you think of Cox coming in. I think he played pretty darn well.

Even though we did get pressure from our DL and got some turnovers this really was a team win JJBJEFF. We got plays on Special Teams, Defense, and Offense. Not only did Freeman win his 1st game he started the 4th quarter down by 11. That was sweet.

[Robert]

GOBUCS and TRUEBUCFAN, you 2 are the kind of knucle head fans that dont have a clue that the Big Dog Duemig was talking about today. You hide behind your computers and bash the coaches and players, but dont have a clue about football. Heck, u wont even put you picture next to your post. So dont try and call me out. I may not always be right, I may have made some mistakes and admitted to them, but I am not a coward that hinds behind a computer.

[Robert]

tom and Jeff, did you guys see how much better Bates's Defense looked when they had the lead? That front 7 looked so much better. He dialed up some nice plays and got the LB's involved with the pressure. I really like how the D looked when we got the lead. They came back on the field twice and shut GB down and had a pick 6,

[Robert]

Vincent, none of the players they cut are playing. We have our 1st round pick making plays as a rookie now, we have our 3rd rd pick making plays as a rookie, and we have a 7th rd guy making plays as a rookie. I think Dom will get this team rebuilt sooner than later.

[TrueBucFan]

And Tom if you truly think Denver was going to draft Freeman over Moreno especially when they had Culter at the time and they needed a Rb you truly are an idiot Tom. And AGAIN Tom, you did not actually READ MY POST, I SAID, the Defense got the Steelers to the Super Bowl LAST year, yeah the final drive Big Ben looked good, but he had 17 tds and 15 ints in the 2008 season, his arm did not carry them to the Superbowl. That what I said. And if it was not for Harrison's 99 int return before the 1st half it would have been hard for the Steelers to win. Yeah that was defense. And Big Ben was 9 of 21 with 123 yards and 2 ints with a QB rating of 22.6 in his first Super bowl win. Defense won the super bowl there didn't it? Defense wins Super Bowls. God learn to comprehend what people write and look up stats before you watch one drive. read what i wrote again about DEFENSE winning Superbowls and read my blogs again really close you will see what I was saying. Robert, as for you, you attacked me by saying "Thank God you're not the GM." So that means you don't give a crap about my opinion, my point is I remember stupid things you said and could care less about yours ether. I don't hide behind my computer ether. I just don't act like a kid like you and tell people meet me at my station if you got a problem with me. I'm an adult and a Broward sheriff and don't have time for kids stuff. Tom you compare Freeman to Big Ben because of their size and said you hope Freeman one day becomes an elite QB like Big Ben. My point was DEFENSE WINS super bowls and Big Ben did not carry his team to the Super Bowl his defense did.A great defense and an above average QB will go farther then a crappy d and a super star QB. That is what I said. I never think you should waste a first round pick on a QB. Its more rare it pans out.

[jjbjeff]

Vincent, right on with the pump fake. That was not a rookie play. That was a great fake and an incredible throw.

Robert, I noticed how great the defense looked with the lead. It was nice to see them go to the cover two and seal the deal.

It makes a huge difference when the cb's have deep help. It also helps when you know the other team has to throw.

I do have some criticisms about the game, but not today. Today we bask in the "glow". No pun intended.

[TrueBucFan]

By the way Robert, I don't know how many people I have arrested, that tell me I was really having a "bad day" Its not a good enough excuse for me. Just because you are frustrated at something does not mean you should say or do something stupid. You should watch that, it could get you into trouble one day. And saying sorry does not get you out of it.

[Tom]

TrueBucFan,
You are really clueless. The Broncos traded Cutler on April 2nd and 2009 NFL Draft occurred on April 25th and 26th. So, therefore, if you put two and two together, that means Cutler was out of Denver by the time the Broncos were picking in the draft. Is that too difficult?

Did you just say that you don't think that you should ever pick a QB in the first round??? I think I'm going to bust with laughter!!!! OMG!! You have officially won the stupidest post ever in the history of this site.

I'm never going to let you forget that statement.

TrueBucFan says that you should NEVER pick a QB in the first round! The most important position in all of sports shouldn't ever ever ever get a first round selection!!!

[Tom]

TrueBucFan just said that no team should ever waste a first round pick on a QB!!!

[Tom]

TrueBucFan,
I hope your skills in law enforcement is much better than your knowledge of football. Otherwise, I'm never stepping outside of my house again! LOL!

[Tom]

"I never think you should waste a first round pick on a QB. Its more rare it pans out."
-The Great TrueBucFan 2009

[TrueBucFan]

There is more busts in the first round then not Tom. Tom Brady was a 6th round pick. Most of the starting Qbs are not first rounders in the league idiot. Okay they traded Cutler for Orton. Denver was not going to draft Freeman you dumbass. Yeah you can draft a good Qb in the 2nd or 3rd round that you don't have to pay 1st round money to, that can be a solid QB for you. I said a first round QB is more rare to pan out. Look it up. I changed my mind you are stupid Tom.

[Bucs101]

Wow I'm not getting into this fight. Its getting to personal. On a outside view, TrueBucFan its right Denver was not going to draft Freeman. McDaniels wanted a RB. I understand your points TruebucFan. Tom, there is more busts in the first round then not. If you want me to list all the successes and bust I will. Trust me I got the time. (I'm on the computer all day for my job) Now Tom you do have some good points about Freeman and you said that its too early to tell on Freeman too. You Guys need to relax its a blog. Grow Up a little. And read each others blogs a little closer, you both have good points. And I have to agree with TrueBucFan on Big Ben. That defense carried the offense to the playoffs last year. But Big Ben stepped it up in the playoffs though. Relax everyone, We are all Buc fans.

[TrueBucFan]

Hey Tom, again you did not read what my point is, I said defense wins championships so I never think you should waste a first round pick on a QB. The way you should draft a 1st round QB is if you got Peyton Manning at your feet. Freeman is no Peyton Manning. Our Needs were Defense not QB. And don't start talking about my job. I mean that.

[Tom]

TrueBucFan,
You're never going to live this one down. Never pick a QB in the first round??!!! I can't even begin to even honor you with this conversation if you're that stupid to say that you should never draft a QB in the first round.

I can't even begin to rant off all of the great QBs that were drafted in the first round. All of which you would have passed up on if you were GM, including Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Donovan McNabb, Carson Palmer, Big Ben, Jay Cutler..........

Tom Brady is an exception not the rule you imbecile. If you don't spend your most valuable pick on the most important position, what the other position is worthy of a first round pick?

Man, I have been amazed by all of the idiotic things that have been posted on this blog. But, that one, was BY FAR, the stupidest thing I have ever read in my entire life.

Never draft a QB in the first round! OMG!!!