Josh Freeman Makes First Start, Bucs Win
November 8, 2009 by David Kindervater
Filed under Tampa Bay Buccaneers
For one day, the Tampa Bay Bucs turned back the clock to 1976. And for the first time this season, the team tasted victory in doing so. It was a memorable day for the Buccaneers organization as they combined their past with their future. Wearing the infamous (and often ridiculed) creamsicle orange uniforms (complete with Bucko Bruce on the helmet) for the first time since 1996, the Bucs unveiled a Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium and inducted Hall of Fame defensive end Lee Roy Selmon as their first member. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Josh Freeman made his first National Football League start (he went 14-of-31 passing for 205 yards and three touchdowns) and led the Bucs to their first victory of the 2009 season, a 38-28 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Bucs / Image: Zuma Press
After the game, Bucs head coach Raheem Morris kept things in perspective in getting his first-ever win:
“A great start to how we want to be, how we want to look, how we want to play. These guys played passionate. Obviously it’s not about me. It’s about us.”
Josh made his fair share of mistakes today. Especially early on. He looked like he had a case of first-start jitters. But after he got rid of the nervousness he was certainly feeling, I think he gained a wealth of experience on a special day for this organization. When the season started—when Byron Leftwich was named the starting quarterback—I knew matters would eventually fall into the hands of Josh Freeman, the QB this team drafted to be their quarterback of the future. And he didn’t disappoint.
I loved the throwback look today (and I emphasize today). But when the Bucs went to red and pewter 13 years ago, it was probably the best uniform upgrade in the history of the NFL. After today’s impressive win, I wonder if the team is rethinking that decision?
Sources: Buccaneers.com, NFL.com, TampaBayOnline
