It's the halfway point, and no one thought the Bucs would be 0-8. They havnt been 0-8 since 1985, and thats the first year under Leeman Bennett en route to a 2-14 season. So here we go..
MVP- Levonte David- Period. He has been on fire, and looks to be another in a list of historically great linebackers who have played for the Bucs going back to the first generation and Batman Richard Wood. David had one bonehead play, the push out of bounds in week one that cost the Bucs the game, but had Josh Freeman been playing like a normal player (the Bucs were up 14-5 at one point) it shoudnt have come down to that.
MVP Offense- Demar Dotson- He is the only one who has played consistantly. No one deserves this one, but it has to go to someone, may as well go to the player who has played on top of his game for the biggest part of the 8 games. Sure he has given up a sack here and there, its been that kind of a year, but for the most part, Dotson has run and pass protected steady while the other linemen have been up and down. Ask yourself this, how often have you heard his name?
Rookie of the Year: Mike Glennon- By no means do I think he is the answer at QB for Tampa Bay long term other than as a wonderful backup, but Glennon plays smart, learns from his mistakes, and has not really let the team down. His worst game was his first 4th quarter, and he has progressed since then. Its not really fair to Glennon the way he was thrust into this role, but he has done the best with it.
Surprise Player of the year: Timothy Wright- No one knew who the Bucs Tight End would be coming into the year. We didnt expect Luke Stocker to suddenly turn into Jimmy Graham, and we had high hopes for free agent Tom Crabtree before he was injured in preseason, but Tim Wright came out of nowhere (undrafted) and has been a pleasant surprise at the position. Origionally, he was a Wide Receiver, but was converted to TE where he has excelled.
Free Agent of the Year- Darrelle Revis- No surprise here, Revis hasnt been used properly, and its come out that he was actually being protected. But no matter, he has improved with his health each week, and once again, you dont hear his name being mentioned, thats because he never gets thrown at. Revis is doing solid at his position, exactly why he was brought here.
Biggest Disapointment- Josh Freeman- Fans (including myself) were looking forward to offensive fireworks this year, an appearance on Monday Night Football, we were going to see the Bucs slash and gash the Dolphins with Freeman passes to Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. Instead only Jackson will play Monday night. Freeman's ills started in the offseason but were quickly dismissed by Bucs fans. It was only when he wasnt voted captain that the first sign of trouble appeared, and then the miserable performances in games too. Josh Freeman could have had Tampa Bay wrapped around his fingers. Instead, he is probably playing his last days in the NFL as a starting calibur QB. For whatever reason, Old No.5 has lost the ability to play his position, and its a shame. He didnt have to bring a whole team down too.
Offensive Dud of the year: Kevin Ogletree- He couldnt even beat out Tiquan Underwood in preseason, yet he was kept despite the fact he couldnt hold onto the ball. Ogletree had drop after drop after drop before coach Schiano had to get him out.
Defensive Dud of the Year: TIE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim/ Daquan Bowers- These two cannot produce even the smallest of pressure from the Left End spot. Both need to be replaced in the offseason, although at least Bowers shoud be re-evaluated.
Special Teams player of the year: Michael Koening- Blasts long kickoff and punts, although he did shank one.
Special Teams Dud of the year: Missed FG against Saints Week 2
Defensive play of the year: Mason Fosters INT return vs Saints
Offensie Play of the Year: Mike Glennon's TD pass to Vincent Jackson's one hand.
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