Johnson Named New Bucs Starter

NFL News - October 28th, 2009 - Written by John

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had problems on their fan forums, trying to quell bloggers from ripping the franchise for it's decisions and performance. Writers have been venting with critical posts, ranting about playcalling and calling head coach Raheem Morris, "Radio". Part of the issue, they say, is the play of their quarterback, Josh Johnson, who through four starts has four touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Bucs expended their first-round pick on quarterback Josh Freeman, who to-date is the only QB picked in the first-round who hasn't started a game.

It appeared that would change this week when Freeman began preparations through the bye week to be the starter against the Green Bay Packers on November 8th. He took snaps from starter Jeff Faine and practiced with the first-team offense on Wednesday. That announcement became official on Wednesday when Morris confirmed that Freeman would, indeed, be the new signal caller as the team attempts to win it's first game this season.

They are currently 0-7 and the fourth-lowest scoring team in the league, with losses to the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers.

It's the second time Morris has made a switch this season. Byron Leftwich was actually the starter for the season-opener but was yanked after two less-than-spectacular performances.

Freeman was the 17th overall selection in last year's draft after three years at Kansas State. He got mop-up duty against New England last week in London and was 2-for-4 for 16 yards.

The 21-year old was up-and-down for the Bucs in the preseason, scoring a rushing touchdown against the Jaguards that had fans clammoring for a broader role. But he only completed 22 of his 49 passes for 238 yards and had three picks to just one touchdown.

The Bucs are of this week, but the Packers are at home against the Vikings and are favored by three.

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