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Pigskin Preacher

It’s Time


My friends, for three seasons now I’ve chimed in post-game each week to share my observations of the game and to solicit your input in asking “What did you see?”  Today, however, I feel compelled to change it up a bit, by suggesting it’s time the Bucs change it up.

What exactly is the point of playing Byron Leftwich?  Was it because he gives us the best chance to win?  I don’t see it.  Was it to let Josh Freeman get a season of clip-board toting under his belt?  I don’t see it.  Was it because this wasn’t a rebuilding project but a playoff contender in 2009?  I don’t see it.  Did you?

True, Byron hasn’t lost these first three games for us.  But he hasn’t done anything to help us win.  In fact, I’ll be so bold as to tell you that I believe, were Luke McCown our QB we’d be 2-1 today.  Shoot, we’d have won one or two of these first games if Brian Griese, Bruce Gradkowsli or Chris Simms were playing.  Byron’s lack of mobility makes him a sitting duck.  Sure, the sack totals are low, but he’s being hit every play.  Every play!  He’s throwing off his back foot two out of three attempts.  Look at the film.  Two thirds of the passes Byron is throwing are either behind his receiver or three yards over their heads.  The picks he’s thrown have been absolute numb-skull decisions.  This season isn’t lost, yet.  But we’re headed there in a hurry.

Raheem Morris - you’re Bucs are looking a lot like Leeman Bennett’s Bucs.  And they’re so much more talented than that.  Assert yourself.  Make a decision.  Please. 

I say we put the future on the field.  I say we retire Radio to the clipboard.  I know Josh Freeman will make mistakes.  But perhaps he will also make a play or two.  My prediction: If either Josh starts next week, we have a shot at a win.  If Byron Leftwich is under center, we’re O-4.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by  Mark S,  on 10/01  at  07:42 AM

One has to wonder how Byron ever got the starting job.  From insider reports I have read, Luke beat Byron in mini-camp and training camp.  Byron was making the same awful throws he has made in games.  Byron throws one TD and is instantly hailed as the starter.  Luke played with less protection, less of a run game and still out performed Byron. Was there ever a true QB competition and why was Byron designated the starter from his signing?  My theory is that the players told the coaches they did not believe Luke could get it done.  That would explain why they put forth less effort when Luke was over center.  There is a lack of discipline on this team and I think its root is in the fake QB competition.


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About Darin:

Darin Shaw has served as the Senior Pastor at Christ's Church of Amherst, N.H., since January 2000. He's written a few blurbs, led a few projects and produced a few cool things over the years. The very best of what he's produced are four wonderful girls - Amanda, Katie, Becky and Emily - he managed to pull that off along with his lovely wife Shari. Together they all live in a red house surrounded by lots of trees in the same community with lots of really great people. He is known to hang out on Sunday mornings with people of a much higher caliber than he, and counts that among life's greatest privileges. Then, on Sunday afternoons, Darin and his family settle in for the full slate of NFL games, shouting loudest when the Buccaneers take the field.

Key Stats: 6-2, 240 ... 16-year veteran of Pastoral Ministry out of Florida Bible College and Southwestern Bible College and Theological Seminary ... Boasts of being able to count on one hand the number of Buccaneers games he has missed (either having been there in person, watched on television, or listened to the radio) since they entered the NFL in 1976. ... Sports a lifetime 74 percent accuracy in NFL prognostication ... Certifiable Jesus freak; loving husband; devoted father; zealous blogger.

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