Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano said Wednesday that quarterback Josh Freeman took his demotion like a professional. New starter Mike Glennon said that Freeman has been supportive.
We have to rely on those around Freeman to speak for him, because he's not saying much. NFL Media's Jeff Darlington said on NFL Network's "Around the League Live" that Freeman declined to speak on Thursday at the advice of his representation. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Freeman wants a trade.
It's strange advice. Freeman's reps are making their client look like a player who doesn't want to speak when adversity hits, which is part of a pro quarterback's job description.
The fifth-year player did finally address the trade rumors in comments to ESPN's Josina Anderson late Thursday; though, according to The Tampa Tribune, no one in the quarterback's camp informed the Bucs ahead of time of the interview.
"Well there has been a lot of talk of this. There was talk of this before there was talk of this, if that makes sense," Freeman said, according to Pewterreport.com. "But, you know, I don't know how this thing is going to end up, I don't know. ... A lot of people don't understand is, as a player you don't really have much say in a trade.
While Freeman stayed mostly quiet, his teammates continued to get asked about the quarterback change. Cornerback Darrelle Revis spoke with Darlington one-on-one Thursday, and it was like Revis was trying his best to say the right things.
"I guess it was kind of a surprise for us when (coach Schiano) told us in the team meeting a couple days ago," Revis said. "But, um, we've got to be supportive of what decision the coach makes, and we've got to support Mike as well. We know it's kind of a drastic move so early in the season, you know, but we're sticking behind Mike and coach's decision."
Revis was asked if he was fine with the decision.
"I'm not on that board," Revis said after laughing. "I'm not on that panel to make those decisions. I think I trust coach and whatever he wants best for the team, and that's what we have to go by."
Revis met with Schiano last week to "clear the air" after a report surfaced regarding Revis' unhappiness in Tampa. That came before the Week 3 quarterback change.
If things don't turn around, perhaps Revis could push for a trade to the upstart New York Jets. He'd fit perfectly in that defense.
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