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In news from our “we are not surprised” department, Tampa Bay Buccaneers have benched former first round pick Josh Freeman in favor of rookie Mike Glennon.
Freeman had a chance. His contract is expiring; good play could have led to an extension and a raise. Freeman did not play well. He has thrown two touchdowns and three interceptions. In completion percentage, Freeman ranks behind Matt Flynn and Geno Smith, among others. There are other stats that illustrate how bad he has been, but like the Bucs, I’m moving on.
So what do you have with Glennon, and what should fantasy football owners expect?
In college you had an ACC quarterback who completed 60.4 percent of his passes and threw for 7,411 yards, a 31:17 TD:Int ratio in four seasons with a 132.3 rating. Those are not bad numbers.
At the pro level, it’s tough to say, considering he only played in the preseason. During that time he completed 33-70 passes for 397 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He had a QBR of 61.4. Those are not great numbers.
This weekend, the Bucs host the Arizona Cardinals. The Cards have been not great defensively this season. They are 28th in the NFL with five team sacks on the season. They rank 26th in the NFL in passing defense. They have playmakers in the secondary with Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, but cannot get to the quarterback. The Bucs have the 13th best offensive line so it would stand to reason that Glennon should have time in the pocket.
The status of Vincent Jackson will play a major role in how well Glennon performs. Reports indicate that Jackson should play this weekend, but he is coming off a rib injury that held him out of a little last weekend. If he plays, Glennon has a top ten wide receiver talent that can stretch the field, command the attention of the top defensive back and open it up for everyone else. If he doesn’t, then Glennon’s outlook takes a hit.
There will be growing pains. Rookies have their good moments, like E.J. Manuel leading that last second comeback in week two. They also have their bad moments, like E.J. Manuel getting sacked eight times in week three.
But you all saw what Brian Hoyer did in his debut last weekend, throwing for 321 yards and three touchdowns and three picks.
If you are in a deep or dynasty league, I would absolutely take a flyer on Glennon, provided there is someone on your roster worthy of dropping. He could be worth a roster stash. Jackson is signed through the 2016 season. The Bucs have one of the best young running backs in the game in Doug Martin. The offensive line is getting better. Worst case scenario, Glennon plays poorly, and you bought in low and lost a small time player. Best case scenario, Glennon plays well, and you just got a steal off the waiver wire.
As always, I welcome your comments. If you think I’m wrong, I’m willing to listen. Just back it up with some facts and solid evidence. Thanks for reading and good luck this season.
Dustin Manko is an author at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustinManko, ”Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
Read more at http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2013/09/25/week-4-fantasy-football-vincent-jackson-injured-on-the-decline/
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