Under first-year head coach Greg Schiano, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to employ a run-first offense. Quarterback Josh Freeman, who is looking for redemption after tossing 22 interceptions in 2011, is fine with that, because he's just looking to win, Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times reported Sunday.
"It's about winning with me," Freeman said. "If I go out and stink it up and we win, I'd be a lot happier than if I go out and throw for monster numbers and we lose... Coach Schiano obviously loves the running game. I love the running game. There's no better feeling than when LeGarrette (Blount) or any of our guys are out there tearing it up and you can sit back and pick apart a defense that's worried about stopping the run."
When the Buccaneers went 10-6 in 2010, the offense ran the ball about 45 percent of the time, rushing for over 2,000 yards. In 2011, the Buccaneers ran the ball around 35 percent of the time, averaging just 91 yards per game (30th in the league) en route to a 4-12 finish.
It's no coincidence, then, that the Buccaneers focused on the run in the 2012 NFL Draft, trading into the first round to select Boise State running back Doug Martin and using a seventh-round pick on Utah State's Michael Smith.
"Doug Martin and Michael Smith, those guys are so talented," Freeman said of the rookie running backs. "You want to get the ball in their hands, get it to them in space and let them make some moves and make something happen... Obviously LeGarrette (Blount) is having good (practices). And one guy, Mossis Madu, that guy is shredding it right now. He is doing an awesome job. Our backfield is going to be great. I'm excited."
