Luke McCown

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Josh Freeman is coming off what his coach, Raheem Morris, described as his worst overall performance. Freeman threw three interceptions and had a season-low passer rating of 12.1 in the 26-3 loss to the Jets.  

TAMPA, Fla. -- Josh Freeman doesn't waste much time wondering what might have been. Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie feels he's as talented as the two quarterbacks taken ahead of him in  

Josh Freeman doesn't waste much time wondering what might have been. Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie feels he's as talented as the two quarterbacks taken ahead of him in this year's NFL draft, he's not concerned about how quickly he can convince everyone else. An anticipated matchup between him and Mark Sanchez, selected fifth overall by the New York Jets, won't occur...  

The Sanchise is taking a seat this week, and he's not happy about it. New York Jets coach Rex Ryan decided Wednesday that Mark Sanchez will not play at Tampa Bay on Sunday because of a sprained right knee, and Kellen Clemens will start in his place.  

Parts of today's Jets-Buccaneers game weren't what one would call pretty football. But make no mistake about it: The Jets' 26-3 triumph at Raymond James Stadium was a defensive thing of beauty. The Green & White "D" was fired up for a near-historic performance that contained the Bucs and their rookie QB, Josh Freeman, to 124 yards and six first downs. Kellen Clemens, playing QB i...  

For the third consecutive week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing to face a backup quarterback.  

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- The Sanchise is taking a seat this week, and he's not happy about it. New York Jets coach Rex Ryan decided Wednesday that Mark Sanchez will not play at Tampa Bay on Sunday because of a sprained right knee, and Kellen  

Rookie QB Josh Freeman did an admirable job of positioning his team to score points during today's loss at Carolina. The problem was once he got into scoring position, he self-destructed. Freeman threw an unsightly five interceptions, four coming in...  

According to numerous reports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed quarterback Rudy Carpenter from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. By taking him off the practice squad, that means he is active on Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster. No word yet from the Bucs yet but this could have something to do with Byron Leftwich’s elbow injury. He [...]  

Jets coach Rex Ryan said QB Kellen Clemens will start Sunday against the Bucs, as they are being cautious with the injury to first-round pick Mark Sanchez. Sanchez, who has started every game for the Jets this season, sprained his...  

by Matt SnyderFiled under: Buccaneers, NFC South, NFL QuarterbacksIt was only a matter of time, really. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going nowhere this season. They are 0-7 and have been outscored 203-96 in the process. The drafted Josh Freeman in the first round (17th overall pick) of the draft this past April to be their quarterback of the future. You aren't going anywhere in 2009, so it's time to start playing for the future. Thus, it makes...  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saluted their past, then rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling franchise hope for the future. Freeman passed for 205 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, including a 7-yard throw to Sammie Stroughter on fourth-and-4, leading the...  

The Sanchise is taking a seat this week, and he's not happy about it. New York Jets coach Rex Ryan decided Wednesday that Mark Sanchez will not play at Tampa Bay on Sunday because of a sprained right knee, and Kellen Clemens will start in his place.  

Packers Story: By the time Week 9 rolls around in an NFL season, an upcoming opponent's preseason game tapes are rarely requested, let alone needed. But the Green Bay Packers have almost no choice but to hunt some down this week, with Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Josh Freeman slated to make his first NFL start on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Freeman, a first-round draft pick out of Kansas State, has played in just one...  

The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed starting quarterbacks again, with rookie Josh Freeman taking over the offense. Freeman was the 17th pick in the first round of this year's draft. He made his NFL debut last Sunday, playing two series in the fourth quarter of a 35-7 loss to the Patriots in London. Coach Raheem Morris was noncommital about his quarterback plans following the game.  

The Saints -- this weekend's Bucs opponent -- have not been known for their defensive prowess in recent years, their high-octane offense typically overshadowing its counterpart. The New Orleans defense isn't necessarily overpowering opponents, but it is getting stops when...  

Q: What have you learned over the course of two NFL starts? A: I’ve learned a lot. Whether it be learning about myself, what defenses are trying to do to me, speeding up my game to make it a little even, because sometimes there are instances like last week where I was scrambling and I felt like I had more time. Some of those d linemen ended up closing on me pretty fast and ended up stripping it out. Q: What have you learned about...  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed quarterback Byron Leftwich on injured reserve because of an elbow injury and filled his roster spot by signing quarterback Rudy Carpenter from the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys.  

Dolphins QB Chad Henne vs. Bucs secondary Henne is built a lot like Bucs QB Josh Freeman, but doesn't have anywhere near the same makeup. Though both have strong arms, Henne really struggles to connect on his throws when he's got pressure in his face or the pocket is collapsing around him. With a strong rush, the Bucs can force Henne into making throws he doesn't want to make.  

Bucs QB Josh Freeman vs. Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams Freeman has yet to have that ugly three-pick game that every young quarterback seems to have at some point. It could easily come today, though. The Saints lead the league with 17 interceptions and 25 takeaways. A big reason for that is the confusion Williams presents with varied looks and pressures.  

The Bucs' travel plans and practice schedule this week affected their on-field preparation for Sunday's game at Wembley Stadium. But QB Josh Johnson said that, while he could certainly benefit from more practice reps, he has spent an unusual amount...  

New York Daily NewsBucs WR Clayton Hopes To Play, Jets QB Sanchez Won't StartPewter ReportIn other news, Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez (knee) will not start vs. the Bucs. Fourth-year QB Kellen Clemens will start in his place. ...To seize everything you ever wanted-One momentTruFan (blog)Sidelined SanchezNewsday (subscription)Game Thread - Jets @ Bucs - Dec. 13, 2009 - 1PMJets Confidential (subscription)Seattle Post Intelligencer -Tampa Tribune...  

Q: How much of the recent turnovers can be attributed to an aggressive mentality on offense? A: “We’ve been able to overcome them, but that’s really in large part because our defense has gotten quite a few, as well and then offensively, the drives we’re not turning it over we’re going out and getting points. It’s not a good habit to get into. We are aggressive. There’s being aggressive and there’s being reckless and reckless is...  

by David WhitleyFiled under: Buccaneers, Packers, NFL AnalysisTAMPA -- A very amusing story died on Sunday. A better one might have been born. We came not to bury the Bucs, but laugh at them with their rookie quarterback and creamsicle uniforms. Instead, the joke is on the Packers. "I don't think it's embarrassing," Packers guard Daryn Colledge said after the 38-28 loss. "The fact is they are a professional football team." Just barely. The...  

The Bucs have signed former Arizona State QB Rudy Carpenter from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, giving the team four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. But veteran Byron Leftwich is staying put. Leftwich, 29, went 0-3 as a starter for...  

  Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan suffered a turf toe injury in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, yesterday, and will not play this week. The Falcons are three point underdogs for their home game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.  According to various reports, Ryan will not play because of the injury, which was suffered during the first series of the game vs. the Bucs. Atlanta came away with a 20-17 victory over Tampa Bay but they...  

Mark Sanchez is not practicing for the New York Jets while recovering from a sprained right knee, but coach Rex Ryan is optimistic about the rookie quarterback's chances of playing Sunday at Tampa Bay.  

Bucs QB Josh Johnson vs. Bucs WRs Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton First it was Michael Clayton. Then it was Antonio Bryant. In successive weeks, the Bucs' top wideouts complained publicly about not getting enough passes thrown their way. This bubbling situation has the potential to boil, but Bucs first-year starting quarterback Josh Johnson can't let that affect the way he's playing the game.  

Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden, Tony Dungy and Brian Billick are staying close to the game as broadcasters this season. Mike Holmgren and Mike Shanahan are taking the year off. They all have won Super Bowls as head coaches.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Josh Freeman wiped the sweat off his forehead, took a deep breath and answered another question about taking over the offense of the only team yet to win a game in the NFL this season.  

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Rookie Josh Freeman passed for 205 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, including a 7-yard throw to Sammie Stroughter on fourth-and-4, leading the previously winless Bucs to a 38-28 victory over the Green Bay Packers.  

It was good to see the Buc's QB-of-the-future on Sunday. Unfortunately, that QB now plays for the Raiders. The Bucs unfortunately, are stuck with Josh Freeman and the future looks far away.  

It's not just Josh Freeman's turn, it's his team. The Bucs changed quarterbacks again Wednesday, but they're hoping the move to Freeman will alter the fortunes of the franchise, which has lost 11 games in a row. Freeman, the Bucs'...  

There is no shortage of opinions on rookie Josh Freeman and how he is or isn't a good choice to quarterback the Buccaneers. The last thing anyone needs is another know-it-all to proclaim how well or poorly he will play....  

Wearing one of those ghastly creamsicle jerseys that are an ugly reminder of Tampa Bay"s past... rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling Buccaneers plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future.from ABC 33/40 News  

The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed starting quarterbacks again, with rookie Josh Freeman taking over the offense. Freeman was the 17th pick in the first round of this year's draft. He made his NFL debut last Sunday, playing two series in the fourth quarter of a 35-7 loss to the Patriots in London.  

Quarterback Josh Johnson had a tough day at the office Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. At times, it was hard for him to complete a pass. A lot of his throws were batted down, falling incomplete. And that's just what...  

The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed starting quarterbacks again, with rookie Josh Freeman taking over the offense. Freeman was the 17th pick in the first round of this year's draft. He made his NFL debut last Sunday, playing two series in the fourth quarter of a 35-7 loss to the Patriots in London.  

Quarterback Luke McCown #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes the snap under center Sean Mahan #79 during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida.  

Tampabay.comWith his contract expiring after the season, the Bucs likely wonder whether ...Tampabay.comThen, he takes the field and there are moments when you see why former coach Jon Gruden thought the team got a third-round steal nearly four years ago. ...  

Minutes after the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers dispersed for a four-day, bye-week break, rookie coach Raheem Morris was asked how his players were holding up under the strain of an 0-7 start. "We actually talked about it this morning. ... Going 0-7 didn't start yesterday. It didn't start at the beginning of the season when we played Dallas.  

Tampa TribuneBucs rookie QB Josh Freeman to grip and rip in first NFL startTampabay.comBucs rookie QB Josh Freeman said Wednesday he is ready to "let it rip,' in his first NFL start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. The 17th overall pick, ...Bucs QB Freeman ready to 'let it rip' in first NFL startTampa TribunePackers To Get First Look At Bucs QB FreemanPackers.comFreeman Eager For First StartPewter ReportBucsblitz.com (subscription) -WBAY...  

Wearing one of those ghastly creamsicle jerseys that are an ugly reminder of Tampa Bay's past, rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling Buccaneers plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future. The third quarterback selected in this year's NFL draft led the previously winless Bucs to a 38-28 victory over the Green Bay Packers in his first start Sunday, ending the league's longest...  

The Buccaneers announced today that they have signed quarterback Rudy Carpenter from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad and wide receiver Terrence Nunn from the New England Patriots practice squad.  

Eager to show his new fan base what all the fuss has been about, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Josh Freeman is ready to "let it rip'' against the Packers on Sunday.  

Since the 1995 NFL Draft, there's been 35 quarterbacks chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft. Many of the League's franchises have done it differently during that time. Some throw their rookies right into the fire in a sink or swim type scenario ...  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed kicker Connor Barth and released kicker Shane Andrus. Barth was cut by the Miami Dolphins in August after kicking in 10 games for Kansas City last season. He made 10 of 12 field goals and converted all 24 of his extra-point attempts with the Chiefs. Andrus signed with Tampa Bay after Mike Nugent struggled early this season.  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reinstated guard Arron Sears to the team from the reserve/did not report list. Sears has not been with the team since offseason workouts because of personal reasons. The Bucs have not discussed specifics of his situation. The third-year pro was placed on the reserve/did not report list at the start of training camp in July.  

Tampa Bay punter Dirk Johnson will miss the remainder of the season after being placed on injured reserve with a pulled hamstring. Reserve cornerback Torrie Cox also went on injured reserve Monday with a hip injury. Guard Arron Sears has been placed on the reserve/non-football illness list. The Buccaneers are filling Cox's roster spot by promoting cornerback Brandon Anderson from the practice...  

A bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one-time Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow is making the most of a fresh start with his new team. The sixth-year pro has been the club's most consistent player on offense, leading the Bucs (1-8) in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, while also dispelling the notion Tampa Bay took on a talented but...  

Running back Sammy Morris is among the inactive players for the New England Patriots against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium. Morris hurt his knee last week in the 59-0 win over the Tennessee Titans and missed practice before the team flew to Britain. The NFL is playing a regular-season game in London for the third straight year.  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released offensive lineman Marcus Johnson after his arrest on a charge of driving under the influence. A Tampa police lieutenant says he found Johnson sleeping Tuesday in a car near the Bucs' stadium. Tampa police say the lieutenant woke up the 27-year-old. A DUI investigator reported smelling alcohol on Johnson's breath and police say he had glassy eyes and...  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Clifton Smith has sustained a concussion on the opening kickoff against Carolina and won't return. It marked Smith's second concussion against the Panthers this season. Dante Wesley hit him as he called for a fair catch on Oct. 18, earning Wesley a one-game suspension.  

Rookie coach Raheem Morris rejects the notion that a culture of losing has settled into Tampa Bay's locker room during a year-long stretch in which the Buccaneers have dropped 15 of 16 games. Going 0-4 last December cost the team a playoff berth and prompted the firing of former coach Jon Gruden.  

Tampa Bay's Raheem Morris is taking it upon himself to fix one of the NFL's worst defenses. The first-year coach added defensive playcalling to his duties Tuesday, demoting veteran defensive coordinator Jim Bates after a 38-7 loss to unbeaten NFC South rival New Orleans dropped the Bucs to 1-9.  

Raheem Morris is interested in winning, not subtle signs of improvement in his struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team played better defensively in its first game since the rookie coach took over playcalling responsibilities, however once again the unit was unable to hold off an opponent when it mattered most.  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed punter Sam Paulescu to replace injured Dirk Johnson. Johnson pulled a hamstring during last Sunday's loss at Atlanta and was placed on injured reserve. Paulescu was signed Tuesday. He was released by Washington on Nov. 14 after appearing in one game. He has played in 12 career games with the Redskins, Denver and Dallas.  

No longer winless, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are feeling pretty good about themselves. Music blared in the locker room Monday, a day after rookie Josh Freeman led the team to its first victory, a 38-28 upset of Green Bay that heightened expectations for the remainder of the season. Freeman, the third quarterback selected in this year's draft, was far from perfect in his first NFL start.  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without receiver Antonio Bryant and defensive end Stylez G. White when they play the Miami Dolphins. The team said Saturday the players did not make the trip to Miami for Sunday's game. Bryant also sat out last week's win over Green Bay because of a knee injury that's bothered him since training camp.  

Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon is the first inductee into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. The 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was saluted Sunday during halftime of the game against the Green Bay Packers. Selmon was the top pick in the 1976 draft, the first-ever selection by the Bucs, who lost every game in their inaugural season.  

Tampa Bay kick returner Clifton Smith will miss the rest of the season after his second concussion in less than two months. The second-year pro was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, two days after he was hurt making a tackle on the opening kickoff of Sunday's 16-6 loss at Carolina. His first concussion happened during an Oct.  

With the game on the line, Carolina's Jake Delhomme found a way to make up for costly mistakes the Panthers made to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pull even. The struggling quarterback turned and handed the ball to DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Over and over. "I'm sure everybody in the stadium knew what we were going to do," Williams said after the defending NFC South...  

The Carolina Panthers can imagine the sense of urgency building within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Only a week removed from being winless themselves, the defending NFC South champions are still feeling some heat at 1-3. Raheem Morris and the Bucs are 0-5, searching for some of the same answers the Panthers believe they've begun to find.  

The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in London and hoping the change of scenery will finally help them get their season back on track. Unfortunately, they'll have to beat the New England Patriots (4-2) on Sunday at Wembley Stadium to turn things around. "I'm sure we're a major underdog.  

Tampa Bay fullback B.J. Askew will miss the remainder of the season because of injuries suffered in a car accident. The Buccaneers placed the seventh-year pro on the non-football injury list Tuesday. The team also signed cornerback Marcus McCauley and released cornerback Derrick Roberson before re-signing him to the practice squad.  

Defensive end Stylez G. White moved into Tampa Bay's starting lineup against the Carolina Panthers, replacing Gaines Adams, who was traded to Chicago two days before Sunday's game. Adams was the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft, but did not play up to expectations in two-plus seasons with the Bucs.  

With three weeks remaining in a miserable season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rookie coach Raheem Morris says he's focused on finishing strong rather than what it'll take to save his job. The Bucs (1-12) lost for the 16th time in their past 17 games on Sunday, falling 26-3 to the New York Jets while being held to 124 yards of total offense.  

TAMPA, Fla. - Byron Leftwich's season is over after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers put the backup quarterback on injured reserve with a sore right elbow.  

Gruden finds safe haven in the boothYahoo! SportsGiven his choppy endings with both franchises, Gruden's presence could create some awkward moments if and when he has to broadcast a game featuring the Bucs ...and more »  

The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed starting quarterbacks again, with rookie Josh Freeman taking over the offense.  

Tampa Bay’s first-round pick, Josh Freeman, will make his starting debut on Sunday vs. Green Bay. The Buccaneers are 0-7 and made the quarterback change during their bye week.  

TAMPA, Fla.(AP) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saluted their past, then rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling franchise hope for the future.  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saluted their past... then rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling franchise hope for the future.from ABC 33/40 News  

TAMPA — The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed starting quarterbacks again, with rookie Josh Freeman taking over the offense.  

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed starting quarterbacks again, with rookie Josh Freeman taking over the offense.  

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed starting quarterbacks again, with rookie Josh Freeman taking over the offense.  

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saluted their past, then rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling franchise hope for the future.  

TAMPA, Fla. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saluted their past, then rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling franchise hope for the future.  

Join Bucs beat writer Stephen F. Holder as he blogs live throughout the Bucs' game against the Eagles in Philadelphia. We welcome your comments and questions.Bucs-Eagles  

TAMPA, Fla. -- Josh Freeman doesn't claim to be the answer to turning the Tampa Bay Buccaneers around.  

The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed starting quarterbacks again, with rookie Josh Freeman taking over the offense.  

Falcons QB Matt Ryan left Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a toe injury and is questionable to return.  

Both teams are having miserable seasons and the Panthers top QB is out with an injury.  

The Buccaneers' upcoming opponent knows what it's like to rebuild around a rookie quarterback.  

Josh Freeman passed for 205 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, leading the previously winless Bucs to a 38-28 victory over the Packers.  

Bucs rookie quarterback Josh Freeman is preparing to start against the Green Bay Packers on November 8.  

The Bucs' ex-coach has made a smooth transition from the sidelines to TV, pleasing ESPN execs and their audience.  

Soph QB Maughn shattering records Brian Maughn has never met Dan Mulligan, but he can commiserate with him.  

Bucs C Jeff Faine has endured more changes than the customers in his Orlando Forty VII clothing store.  

Matt Jones will work out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday morning, and several other teams are interested...  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoided a blackout by selling out the stadium, however, it sure doesn't look like a...  

By FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer