Bucs OC Mike Sullivan is looking for improved decision-making from Josh Freeman in 2012. "When an incompletion is not only OK, but it's a good thing," Sullivan said. "When a sack is not only OK, it's a good thing. It's all about protecting the football and making those smart decisions." Freeman's 551 pass attempts were eighth most in the NFL last season, but he should be given much fewer opportunities to make mistakes in coach Greg Schiano's run-heavy system.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Josh Freeman threw 10 of last season's 22 interceptions in Kellen Winslow's direction. Pro Football Focus charged Freeman with only nine INTs targeted for Winslow, but it's a high number regardless. The two combined to average just 6.5 yards per pass attempt. The Bucs believe moving on from Winslow could actually help Freeman reach his potential, and there are stats to support that notion.

Based on 2010-2011 tape study, NFL Films' Greg Cosell believes Josh Freeman's slump as a second-year starter was due largely to a failure to make improvements from his first season. Cosell believes Freeman's 2010 campaign was "not quite as strong as the perception," despite a 25:6 TD-to-INT ratio and 10 wins. Cosell saw major technique flaws, erratic accuracy, and an inability to consistently read defenses in both seasons. "Make no mistake, the erratic accuracy is a serious matter," Cosell wrote. "... He's more sporadic playmaker than precise passer." Cosell does allow for major strides from Freeman if he polishes his game. "There's no question he has the tools to take that next step."

Josh Freeman dropped 20 pounds this offseason after experiencing a sophomore slump in 2011. Freeman will always be a pocket passer first, but he hopes the weight loss will increase his mobility. "The last couple years, he's been playing around 255-260 (pounds)," revealed GM Mark Dominik. "Right now, he's (at the team facility) weighing about 235-238." Freeman took a big step back last season, but he has plenty of talent and the supporting cast to turn it around in 2012.

The Tampa Bay Times reports the Bucs and Josh Freeman won't begin extension talks until 2013. "It's really kind of wait and see," Freeman's father said on Friday. "I don't think either side feels like there's any reason to do something before (2013)." Freeman still has two years left on his rookie deal, and would be in a poor negotiating position coming off a 16-touchdowns, 22-interception 2011. He'll make $6.59 million in 2012.

The Tampa Bay Times expects the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan to accelerate the progression of Josh Freeman. Freeman took a step back last season but stands to benefit from a coaching overhaul in 2012. It remains to be seen what type of play-caller Sullivan will be, but it is widely expected that he will run a system similiar to the Giants offense under Kevin Gilbride. Among other accolades, Sullivan is credited with the development of Eli Manning in each of the past two seasons.

Josh Freeman completed 31-of-45 passes for 274 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in the Week 17 loss to the Falcons. And with that, Freeman's third-year regression is complete. A year after throwing 25 touchdowns and six interceptions, he threw 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions this season. The Bucs are still committed to Freeman as their long-term franchise quarterback, but he'll likely be playing for a new regime in 2012. There's little reason to think he can ascend to QB1 status in fantasy no matter who is coaching him.

Josh Freeman completed 28-of-38 passes for 274 yards, an interception, and two total touchdowns in Week 16 against the Panthers. Freeman had an efficient first half outside of an interception to SS Jonathan Nelson on a pass intended for Kellen Winslow. His lone touchdown pass came on a four-yard fade to Arrelious Benn in the corner of the end zone that was originally ruled incomplete before later being overturned. He remains one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

Josh Freeman completed 17 of 27 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown in the Buccaneers Week 15 loss to the Cowboys. Freeman came into Saturday night with 21 turnovers, and predictably fumbled on the Buccaneers first possession of the game after picking up a first down on third and long with a 25-yard scramble. Mike Williams continues to struggle to get separation, and Dezmon Briscoe and Kellen Winslow are replacement-level redzone targets. Freeman had just four passing attempts and one first down one going into halftime, but showed off his arm strength on a 13-yard touchdown pass to Briscoe in the late stages of the third quarter.

ESPN's Ron Jaworski believes that the Buccaneers having to play from behind has contributed to Josh Freeman's struggles, and hasn't lost faith in him as a franchise quarterback despite his regression this season. "He has taken a step back this year, but quarterbacks usually get too much credit and too much blame,'' said Jaworski. "He's having to play too often from behind, his receivers aren't doing a great job of getting open and Tampa Bay's run game is inconsistent...I am still a firm believer in the guy. He's going to be one of the great quarterbacks in this league. There's an ebb and flow in every quarterback's career, and Josh Freeman will get over this.''