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Not a lot went right for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half of the 2009 season. They were blown out in five of their eight games and they find themselves at the bottom in most statistical categories in the league.
There's been confounding choices by both management and the coaching staff.
With that said, the Bucs may have found a quarterback. With Josh Freeman looking like a veteran tossing three touchdown passes in the Buccaneers' upset of the Green Bay Packers, Freeman looked every bit the part of a franchise quarterback.
There's bound to be good days and bad days with a 21-year old quarterback so it's key for Buc fans to temper their enthusiasm.
As some fishwrap writers opined, Ryan Leaf and Rick Mirer looked good early on, too.
Still, you felt a different swagger to the football team now that Freeman has assumed his role as starting quarterback.
Things went bad against Green Bay, at times very bad, but the Buccaneers found the resiliency to overcome and rally for the win.
It's a start.
Second Quarter Record: 1-3
Overall Record: 1-7
All the Buccaneers guaranteed at this point is they won't be going 0-16. It remains to be seen whether the Bucs can continue to grow and improve under head coach Raheem Morris.
There remains plenty of challenges. The defense is still hemorrhaging yardage and points while the offense is not going to be confused with the Saints any time soon.
Most Valuable Player: Aquib Talib, Cornerback
While Talib has definitely had some off-the-field concerns, you can't argue with the on-the-field production.
Talib is tied for third in NFL with five interceptions and has been every bit the shutdown corner you'd want to see in the NFL.
Facing the top receivers of each team, Talib gave up a few plays early on in the year and he's not invincible, but against him, usually the top opposing receiving weapon is a non-factor.
Steve Smith, DeSean Jackson, Greg Jennings—a who's who among NFL wide outs that have been erased by Talib.
That's why the Bucs put up with his off-the-field antics.
Offensive Player of the Half-Season: Kellen Winslow, Jr., Tight End
Winslow has quietly put together a solid season for the Buccaneers. Playing with three different quarterbacks, the big target is tied for third in the NFL with five touchdown receptions and is in the top ten among tight ends in the league in receptions.
While other players on offense have struggled with drops and injury, Winslow not only has been reliable but has made some spectacular grabs.
The oft-injured tight end has also managed to stay healthy this season, something he hasn't managed since 2006.
With Freeman settling in at quarterback, you can expect Winslow to have a huge second half of the season.
Defensive Player of the Half-Season: Aquib Talib, Cornerback
Talib has bee a bright spot in the Buccaneers secondary. His play, along with the return of Free Safety Tanard Jackson has helped the Bucs raise from 32nd in the NFL in pass defense to 15th.
Special Teams Player of the Half-Season: Sammie Stroughter/Clifton Smith, Kick Returners
The Buccaneers special teams improved dramatically in second quarter of the season, getting huge, game changing plays in the return game and blocking a punt for a score.
Stroughter brought the Bucs back against Carolina with a team record tying kickoff return for a score, while Smith brought the Bucs back against Green Bay with an 83-yard return that set the Bucs in point blank range.
Most Improved Player of the Half-Season: Josh Freeman, Quarterback
When you watched Josh Freeman in preseason, he had a deer-in-the-headlights look about him.
He looked confused, not comfortable and struggled to move the football team against third stringers and guys who didn't make their final rosters.
As Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson worked games, Freeman stood on the sideline, seemingly lost in what was going on.
Then the kid was named starter and shocked everyone with a fantastic opening performance.
What Bucs fans didn't see was Freeman's hard work in the film room and after practice with Offensive Coordinator/Quarterback Coach Greg Olsen.
It at least paid off for one week. Freeman's ascension to his throne makes the remainder of this season all the more intriguing.
Most Disappointing Player of the Half-Season:
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