Battle Of The Bays Turns Tampa First Win With Draft Pick QB Freeman

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The now 1-7 Bucs have found their answer of rather they would end the season winless as rookie quarterback Josh Freeman guided the Buccaneers to a 38-28 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

In one of the most exciting defensive match-ups for the Bucs this season, in which 3 picks, 1 fumble recovery, 6 sacks and 2 un-answered touchdowns were accounted for, the offense of the Bucs seemed to be more productive with Freeman at the helm. In his first career start Freeman went 14/31 205 yards passing, 3 TDs, 1 INT as the Bucs gave the Packers its second straight loss to snap a 10 game losing streak of their own. At his first start of the season, seems as though Freeman is just as comfortable as his receivers were as he threw to 5 different receivers who averaged at least 10 yards a completion. Dispite the fact that Antonio Bryant is still out nursing an injury, the receiving crew stepped up under the influence of veteran Tight-End Kellen Winslow who ended the day with 4 receptions for 57 yards and 1 TD, the Bucs passing game had not seen such productive numbers since Leftwich. Although there were no wins recorded with Leftwich he did manage to average 200 yards a game passing.

However, the defense stepped up big in this game to assist Freeman with the win as 3 picks w/1 for a touchdown, a blocked punt, 6 sacks, and a 83 yards kick return were recorded in the upset delivered to the Packers.

Can we expect to continue to see improvements as long as Freeman starts? I'm not sure but it sure feels good to get that much needed first win on the season.

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