Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman has completed only two more passes (six) than the number of times he has been sacked (four) this preseason. Freeman's slow start continued in Friday night's 25-21 loss to the New England Patriots. Playing without guard Carl Nicks, who was held out of the game for precautionary reasons, Freeman went 2-of-3 for 8 yards and sacked three times. In two preseason games, Freeman is 6-of-10 passing for 42 yards and has been sacked four times. "We didn't protect the passer very well,'' coach Greg Schiano said. "So three sacks in two series, it's going to be hard to overcome that. “You can’t throw it if you’re getting sacked. I thought the one play he stepped up nicely in the pocket and did what he had to do to keep the play going and I thought threw a good ball. How do you judge a guy on an 8-play or 6-play performance? We’ll see. Next week he’ll play more and we’ll get a better picture. I think he’s practiced well.’’ Freeman took some of the blame for the sacks. "There was a number of things,'' Freeman said. "They brought a couple of pressures and got some matchups on backs early and we have to find a way to overcome them. You have to understand it's about matchups up front and you're going to have one-on-ones in certain areas.'' Source: Tampa Bay Times
