Morris could extend Bucs QB competition
Published: August 23rd, 2009 | Tags: Byron Leftwich, Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson, Luke McCown, Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris isn’t quite ready to name a starting quarterback. Morris, who met with reporters following practice Sunday, had said throughout training camp he intended to name a starter following the team’s second preseason game. The Buccaneers defeated the Jaguars 24-23 in their second preseason game Saturday night, but Morris declined to name a starter Sunday.
Morris said he will hold a meeting today to begin evaluating the decision, but wouldn’t lock himself in to when he would make the announcement. He also didn’t deny a suggestion he might extend the compeition through the Bucs’ third preseason game Thursday night against Miami.
“That might be a thought, it might be brought up on the next meeting,” Morris said. “I don’t want to say it right now, because I haven’t talked to the guys about it. But, that may be a thought. It may be extended. It might go to overtime, and that’s a good thing, too. Initially, you set a deadline, but deadlines are meant to be broken.”
The competition for the starting nod has been tight, with veterans Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich each starting one game. Rookie Josh Freeman and second-year pro Josh Johnson have also had solid showings, leaving Morris to say he hasn’t decided if the Bucs will carry three or four quarterbacks — which they did in 2008 — this season. Morris said he would consult with quarterback coach Greg Olson and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski, among others, and come to a consensus decision as a staff.
“The decision was tough all along,” Morris said. “With guys playing better like that, you love that. That’s what we wanted. We asked for competition and we’re getting it, so that’s great.”