We knew it wasn't going to be pretty.
But in the end, the Patriots may have done Raheem Morris and the Bucs a favor.
By virtue of the Patriots 35-7 dismantling of the Bucs, the road should now be clear for 17th overall pick, and "franchise quarterback" Josh Freeman to make his first start after the Bucs bye against Green Bay, as I predicted would happen back in early August mind you (shameless self promotion).
It didn't take long for the beginning of the end of the Josh Johnson experiment. 5 plays in, count them, 5, cinco, JJ threw a pick six to Patriot safety Brandon Meriweather.
The only thing that was worse than the throw was the read. Meriweather was clearly waiting to break on the pass to Sammie Stroughter. When the throw was made, you could almost see Meriweather smiling.
The throw was to go to the outside shoulder. Instead, the throw was to Sammie's inside shoulder, making it that much easier for Meriweather to catch it and run toward the Bucs endzone (and in the process to provide that smile). 7-0 Pats and the first strike to a 0-7 record for the Bucs.
Johnson showed some signs of being an NFL quarterback. His rainbow to Antonio Bryant for the Bucs only TD was a thing of beauty. But for every gorgeous throw, there seems to be 2 or 3 interceptions. At this level, that is unacceptable.
Bottom line, JJ has started 4 games and lead the Bucs to only 5 offensive touchdowns. His counterpart today threw for 5 TDs in 1 quarter just a Sunday ago.
While I fully expect Morris to name Josh Freeman the Bucs starting quarterback against Green Bay, I don't expect that announcement to come until a week from Monday. After all, why give the Packers more time to prepare for Freeman (insert sarcastic laugh track here).
Here's the rub. I'm not convinced Freeman has the moxie to lead this team to victory.
Because unlike years past, there is no defense to cover up for the offensive missteps, let alone an offense getting ready to be lead by a rookie who many considered to be a reach of a pick at #17.
