It’s Time

Posted Sep 27, 2009 by Darin Shaw

Updated Sep 27, 2009 at 04:01 PM

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.