The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been paltry in the NFL for the last 4 years. Going a combined 25-39 in that time frame it’s easy to forget they had 3 winning seasons in the last 5 years as well.

They drafted strong-armed quarterback Josh Freeman from Kansas State 2 years ago to be their QB of the future. He struggled in his rookie season, throwing only 10 TDs and 18 ints. Athletic and quick on his feet, one of the prime troubles he had was holding onto the ball, where he fumbled it 6 times in 2009. Also while running the ball he fumbled it another 4 times in 2009. Freeman possessed an insignificant 59.8 QB rating last season.

Now let’s look at the 2010 version of the 6-6 Josh Freeman, a first-rate 92.0 QB rating, 14 TDs only 5 picks, and even better just 2 fumbles. He is holding the ball more securely, which in turn is putting his team in better situations to win games. And when running the ball he only fumbled once in 2010 with a 6.1 yards per carry average, up from 2009 as well. Freeman has rapidly adapted to the NFL game. Typically the window is 3 years, in his 2nd year he is a stable QB, and should be for years to come. With imperfect offensive receivers, including tricky WR Mike Williams and little used Sammie Stroughter, he is making it all come together.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris, is ecstatic with his team, boasting a 7-3 record, last year they were 1-9 after their first 10, maybe not always the most alluring of games, winning 38-35 over Arizona and 17-14 over Cleveland. They are only putting up an avg of 21/game, and giving up 20. Tight squeeze, opposed to in 2009 going 3-13 only scoring 15/game and giving up 25/game.

Granted their 3 losses have been to top teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers 38-13, the New Orleans Saints 31-6 and the Atlanta Falcons 27-21. But still they haven’t allowed a 300 yard passer all season, including games against Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Carson Palmer. Their running game has also greatly improved; they have rammed the rock for 120+ yds 5 out of 10 games in 2010 so far.

Powerful 6-2 250lb running back, LeGarrette Blount out of Oregon has been a great spark for the Bucs this season. He is a freight train coming through the line, who can run over you in a hurry, with 441 yards and 4 TD.

With the improved play of Freeman, they also have gotten great pass coverage play from CB Aqib Talib (5 int) and 35 year old Ronde Barber (3 int), who is spinning the clock backwards this season and Safety Cody Grimm with his 53 tackles and 2 picks. Helping turning it around with a differential giveaway/turnover of 2009 -5 to 2010 +7.

Although they still lack a pass rush, there’s alot of promise for Tampa Bay. With upcoming winnable games vs the Washington Redskins, the Lions and Seattle, the Bucs can win 10 games this season. Not too bad for a 3-13 team in 2009. Let’s not forget only 8 years ago, they were winning Superbowl XXXVVII 48-21 over the Raiders. Weird, how now they both are looking hopeful towards the future again.
 

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