The low point for Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman might have come last week, when he attempted only four passes during the first half of a 31-15 loss to the Cowboys. "It's definitely frustrating," Freeman said. "You want to go out and have an impact on the game. But … four passes in the first half? You're kind of limited in that situation. Part of that is moving the chains. If you move the chains, you get more opportunities. But it's definitely frustrating in … not really being on the field or having a chance to change the game." It wasn't until their hand was forced last Saturday — trailing 28-0 at halftime — that the Bucs spread the field with three and four receivers and Freeman and the offense got in gear. The league's most successful franchises over the past decade — New Orleans, New England, Green Bay, Indianapolis — get the ball out of their quarterback's hand and spread it around in multiple-receiver sets. Freeman believes the Bucs could do more of that, perhaps beginning today at Carolina. "We've had success with that, and I think it's because we all have a lot of confidence going into those situations," Freeman said. "When we get into a three-receiver set, we can go out there, spread it around, distribute the ball to different guys and really get the ball in our playmakers' hands." The problem is because of his limitations as a route runner and in pass protection, running back LeGarrette Blount comes off the field when the Bucs insert a third receiver. Source: St. Petersburg Times
