Quarterback Josh Freeman got off to a slow start in the Bucs’ first two preseason games, and he wasn’t any better Friday night against the Patriots.
Continuing to look uncomfortable in new coordinator Mike Sullivan’s offense, Freeman completed 10-of-19 passes for 102 yards. He has leaned heavily on $55 million wideout Vincent Jackson throughout August, but otherwise relied mostly on checkdowns for his completions and failed to deliver the football accurately to receivers. Freeman is averaging under five yards per pass attempt this preseason, which is a pretty pathetic clip.
After a promising first season as a starter in 2010, Freeman took a big step back in 2011. He’s now adjusting to a new system and clearly experiencing growing pains.
Through three preseason games, Freeman is 18-of-34 passing for 164 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Along with the rest of Tampa Bay’s first-teamers, Freeman doesn’t figure to play much in the exhibition finale.