Patriots vs. Bucs: Josh Freeman Will Continue Leading Young Team into Season

Tampa Bay QB, Josh Freeman May Be The Next Big Thing in Pro Football

Okay, so maybe he is already the next big thing in pro football, but let's be honest, he still has some work to do.

For one, Josh Freeman is only entering his third season, but with a lot of potential and expectations to boot.

During his rookie campaign, he was decent, but much like the majority of rookie QBs, he threw more picks than TDs.

10 TDs and 18 picks, to be exact.

And although he only received playing time in 10 games that year (2009), he displayed promise for the 2010 season.

It proved to be a massive turnaround, and Freeman burned up the scoreboard, along with opposing defenses.

For the year, he compiled 3,451 passing yards (almost double from his rookie year), while tossing 25 TDs to only six interceptions.

Plus, his completion percentage increased from 54.5 (2009), to 61.4 in 2010.

He is clearly the man in Tampa, and is fortunate to be on a young team that he can grow with as all their careers continue.

Also, if you want to get technical, 2011 would actually be his sophomore season, as he didn't earn the starting role until November of 2009.

For the Buccaneer fans out there, it's reasonable to be paranoid about a sophomore slump of a season.

Why?

Because, he had a ridiculous turnaround in his TD-to-interception ratio from 2009 to 2010.

Also, his QB rating went up from 59.8 in 2009, to 95.9 in 2010.

After only starting nine games as a rookie, then posting those numbers the following year, is one sick jump, and not to mention, rare.

There is no question that Josh Freeman is the real deal, and that he is being passed the "heart and soul" torch from veteran CB Ronde Barber.

In an article by Jeffri Chadiha of ESPN.com, Barber speaks highly of the 23 year-old QB:

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"Josh's success really propelled everyone else," said Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber. "When you get a group of young guys together -- and it was the same back in 1996, '97 and '98 when I came here -- those young guys start to see one or a few guys playing well and then everyone wants to play well. Josh's success really influenced guys like Mike Williams and LeGarrette Blount. They've got a great bond because they're all young and they want to grow in this thing together."

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Hence, it's no secret as to how the Tampa Bay Bucs' pulled that seven-win, 180 degree turn from 2009 to 2010.

During the late'-90s the Bucs' became largely known for defense, and that has carried through to the present day.

But, even during their Super Bowl season (2002), the offense was mainly meant to get a score or two, then kill the clock, as that year The Big Sombrero had the luxury of watching one of the greatest single season defenses.

Plus with Brad Johnson under the helm (although solid), was always a game-managing QB.

Well with Josh Freeman, the Tampa Bay offense has the potential to surely become a main offensive attraction in the NFL, along with the upstart defense.

The question is if he can continue to play at a sensational level.

And obviously that remains to be seen, but that comes with the territory of being a starting QB in pro football.

Especially one who has set a solid standard.

Because in 2011, the Bucs' will only go as far as Freeman takes them. 

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.