Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman won’t be a team captain in 2013
By Brad Rowland
For the past three seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been led on the field by their quarterback, Josh Freeman. However, it appears as if Freeman will have one less responsibility in 2013, and it could be a damning removal of privilege.
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times is reporting that Freeman will not be functioning as a team captain for the 2013 season. On the surface, this isn’t a mind-blowing revelation, but for a much-maligned quarterback, it can’t be a good sign. Freeman has been replaced as an offensive captain by the duo of Vincent Jackson and Davin Joseph, but the statement is one of interesting note.
As you would expect, head coach Greg Schiano has come to the defense of Freeman, stating that “Josh is a leader, so (he is) not concerned about that,” and adding that the Jackson/Joseph duo weren’t both on the team at this point last season. Freeman struggled mightily down the stretch of 2012, and while he did finish with 4,000+ yards in total, he threw more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (11) during the second half of the year.
This could easily be much ado about nothing, but the timing is controversial at the very least. Tampa Bay selected QB Mike Glennon in the 3rd round of this year’s draft, and it could be a make-or-break year for Freeman.
No pressure, Josh.