Freeman on starting

In his interview, rookie quarterback Josh Freeman appeared relaxed about his new job as starter. Whether promoting Freeman to start so soon was the right decision or not, time will undoubtedly tell. The Bucs are certainly a team that needs a spark. Freeman sees no reason why he can't be the catalyst to a new era for this young franchise.

"It was definitely one of those things where I don't feel comfortable sitting on the sideline," he said. "I'm in my element when I'm out on the field. But I also had to look at it like it's an opportunity to sit back and learn a lot of things. Working with [Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks] Coach [Greg] Olson, I definitely feel like I learned a lot and I feel a lot more comfortable in this offense.


"I've had the opportunity to watch it from a different point of view and see things unfold. I feel like I've really grown as a passer and also a leader on this team. [Now] it's a matter of settling down, letting the game come to me and making the throws I know I can make."

"My mindset right now is to prepare the best I can and go out and do what I do, which is play football and try to find a way to get a win," he said. "All that matters is the Green Bay Packers right now. We have a bye week and I have a little bit more opportunity to prepare for the Packers and what they're going to bring at us. It's one week at a time.

"This is definitely something I've been working towards and I finally get the opportunity to step out there and do something."