Josh Freeman must reduce the picks in 2013

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has proved he deserves to not be second guessed as the starter anymore, but he has to reduce the interceptions in 2013. Freeman made strides in 2012 by posting the most yards and touchdowns in his career, but the 2010 Freeman is what he needs to focus on becoming in 2013.

2010 Freeman threw 25 touchdowns and only threw six interceptions, but from 2011-12, Freeman has posted back to back double-digit interception seasons. He threw 22 in 2011 and 17 in 2012.

What makes 2012 stranger is he had more weapons in 2012, than he ever had in 2010. The Bucs front office has been surrounding Freeman with playmakers.

Vincent Jackson, Doug Martin and Dallas Clark came to the Bucs in 2012, but Freeman was only marginally better. It’s frustrating to look at the talent on paper that Freeman has at his disposal and yet he still forces the ball to receivers.

The 2013 offseason can add some more playmakers on offense for Freeman to throw to, but ultimately Freeman has to make the next step. The fifth year is usually when quarterbacks begin to take the next step in their development, and 2013 has to be Freeman’s year.

What is holding him back from being the proverbial “guy” in Tampa? He has the weapons and if it’s because he thinks that he has to do it all, then Freeman needs to have a coach sit him down and tell him to “relax”.

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Freeman doesn’t have to force the issue, because this team is talented enough for him to dial it back a bit. If Freeman can focus on becoming more efficient in his passing and reducing his interceptions, then the sky is the limit.

Otherwise Freeman will forever be known as a disappointment to the Bucs, because that 2010 season was his best. Why can’t Freeman repeat the success of 2010?

These questions will be answered in 2013, but ultimately Freeman is the only one that can answer them.

James Cobern is a Featured Journalist for TPF and can be contacted at JCobern@ThePenaltyFlagBlog.com.