Byron Leftwich News

TAMPA Had it not been for a disputed call in the game against the Dolphins last Sunday the Buccaneers could be riding their first win streak of the season as they hoist the undefeated Saints at Raymond James Stadium.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Antonio Bryant is expected to start on Sunday against New Orleans after missing the past two games with a knee injury.

Not a lot went right for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half of the 2009 season.

A controversial replay ruling went against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the closing minutes of the first half, upon which the Miami Dolphins capitalized for a touchdown and 16-6 lead.

What keeps you smiling so much? It seems like there's never a time you don't. That's because I frowned enough growing up.

Wide receivers Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton were not the only ones who did not practice for the Tampa Bay Bucs on Wednesday.

Humble, resourceful and, of course, victorious. Coaches and teammates were impressed by his composure, too.

Believe it or not, we have reached the midpoint of the 2009 NFL season. Halloween is over, and Thanksgiving and Christmas are now on the horizon - and with them, the stretch run of what should be a wild conclusion to the season.

If you wanted poise, you saw it. If you wanted hope, you have it. If you wondered whether young Josh Freeman has the stuff to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, your question has been answered in the affirmative.

Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris was there the last time Josh Freeman faced a moment as big as this.It was 2006 when Freeman, a highly recruited freshman, took over at quarterback for a struggling Kansas State offense, and in his first college start, rallied the Wildcats to a 31-27 win over Oklahoma State.

It's hard to get into Buccaneer Heaven. Among the trio of Buc quarterbacks this woebegone year, not one has won his wings, not one has a jersey hanging on the sales racks, or a bobble head.

One step forward, two steps back has morphed into four and one-third steps forward and six and two-thirds steps back for the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ready or not, the 17th pick in this year's draft will make his first start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, facing the Green Bay Packers on a day the Bucs will reflect on the past while looking to the future.

You would expect a young gunslinger such as rookie quarterback Josh Freeman to come out firing.

The words still roll smoothly off the tongue of Raheem Morris. Tough. Physical. Violent. Practice in pads.

Franchise quarterbacks in the NFL should come boxed in bubble wrap with a warning label: Handle with care.

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas We'll start our weekly team-by-team mailbags with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .

Head coach Raheem Morris of the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback Josh Freeman will take over the starting duties.

Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes as the New England Patriots cruised to a 35-7 victory over the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers at London's Wembley Stadium.

The Buccaneers fell to 0-6 with a 28-21 loss to the Panthers on Sunday, but head coach Raheem Morris told reporters he will not be benching Josh Johnson in favor of rookie Josh Freeman as the team prepares to face the Patriots, who blew out the Titans 59-0 in Week Six, in London.