After starting the 2009 season without a win in three tries (and coming off one of the worst offensive performances in team history against the N.Y. Giants yesterday), the Tampa Bay Bucs are switching quarterbacks. Byron Leftwich is out—demoted to the third string—and second-year QB Josh Johnson is in. Bucs head coach Raheem Morris made it clear his decision was not all about Byron Leftwich, saying: “I don’t want us, as an organization, to say that game (vs. the Giants) was all Leftwich. But Byron is suffering the consequences.”
My money has been on rookie Josh Freeman taking over the starting …read more

Byron Leftwich will be the starting quarterback to open the 2009 regular season for the Tampa Bay Bucs. Head coach Raheem Morris made the announcement after practice this morning. After Byron’s mediocre 9-of-17 passing, 100-yard performance in a 10-6 preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins Thursday night, I was a little surprised with this decision, but I know it’s only a matter of time before rookie QB Josh Freeman takes the reigns and establishes himself as the team’s leader. For now, Byron’s talent and NFL experience wins out.
Byron was in a highly publicized competition with Josh Freeman and backup QBs …read more

The Tampa Bay Bucs agreed to a one-year deal with quarterback Byron Leftwich today. Terms of the deal were not immediately released but I can tell you Byron will have the opportunity to compete with current Bucs QBs Luke McCown, Josh Johnson and Brian Griese for the starting job. One of those four quarterbacks will most likely be released before training camp begins later this summer. And I’m guessing that odd man out will be Brian Griese.

Byron should be the favorite to win the starting role in Tampa. Otherwise, why would be have bolted from Pittsburgh? He knows he …read more

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
The Tampa Bay Bucs collect quarterbacks like football cards. It seems to be something of a hobby for head coach Jon Gruden. In taking a look at the Bucs’ current roster with the release of Bruce Gradkowski a couple days ago, there are now six QBs listed — Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Josh Johnson, Luke McCown, Jake Plummer and Chris Simms. The team will probably keep three. So who gets the ax next? Well, Jake Plummer is semi-retired and hasn’t played since 2006. He’s a good candidate. But Chris Simms recently told the …read more