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McCown Comments On Failed Cutler Trade |
 McCown's 31-yard run against the Panthers was longest rush by a Buc in 2007 (Getty) |
Bucs quarterback Luke McCown commented on the Bucs pursuing of Denver signal caller Jay Cutler. McCown was not upset with the team, and is confident in his abilities to compete for the starting spot. Instead of hitting the open market, McCown signed a two-year contract to stay with the Bucs prior to free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Luke McCown spoke exclusively with PewterReport.com about the Buccaneers pursuing a trade for Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. The 27-year-old signal caller was scheduled to become a free agent on February 27 before he signed a two-year contract worth $7.5 million. McCown, who could earn as much as $14 million with incentives, will have the opportunity to compete for the starting job.
McCown spoke about the proposed trade that would have sent Cutler to the Buccaneers.
"I have [heard about it], and the stance that I take on it is that if it didn't happen it doesn't matter," said McCown. "If it doesn't happen it doesn't really affect me at all. Obviously I would understand the circumstances concerning me if a trade like that were to happen, but I think I'm every bit as good as a [player like] Jay Cutler. That is just my opinion, and obviously you have to be confident in yourself. As of right now it doesn't effect me and hopefully it won't effect me."
McCown said that the team did speak with his agent about the potential trade, but felt that the conversation should remain private. McCown was not angry with the Bucs, and is excited to compete with any quarterback that the team acquires in free agency or the draft. Through sources within the organization PewterReport.com has learned that no quarterbacks are scheduled to visit the team at this time. McCown was asked if he was happy about the team not pursuing any of the free agent quarterbacks immediately in the first few days of free agency.
"I'll take that, but to me it doesn't really matter," McCown said. "They can bring someone in if they want, because I'm going to be doing everything I can to make sure that I win this job."
On Monday, McCown echoed the comments he made to PewterReport.com on February 9th about competing for the quarterback job.
"In my mind it doesn't matter with whom. I'm going to do my best to win the job and be the starter," McCown said on February 9th. "Be that with Brian [Griese] or Josh [Johnson] or whoever else they bring in. I know my teammates, and they know me. We are going to try and put something together that we can do well with on the field."
The 6-foot-3, 212-pound McCown has completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 1,617 yards and tossed nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions during his five-year career. He has also rushed 21 times for 157 yards (7.5 avg.).
McCown impressed the Buccaneers organization in the five games he played in place of Jeff Garcia during the 2007 regular season. McCown completed 94-of-139 (67.6 percent) of his passes for 1,009 yards and threw five touchdowns and three interceptions.
His first start in place of Garcia came in New Orleans, where McCown completed his first 15 passes en route to leading Tampa Bay to a 27-23 win over New Orleans that helped win the NFC South division title for the Bucs during the '07 season. McCown threw a game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Jerramy Stevens with 0:14 left in the game.
McCown served as the backup to Garcia for the majority of the 2008 season, but saw limited playing time behind Garcia, who is a free agent and has not had any visits with other teams. Garcia was notified prior to free agency that the Buccaneers would not re-sign him.
Since free agency started, the Buccaneers have been active in getting passing targets for McCown to throw to. Last Friday the team traded for tight end Kellen Winslow II, who is one of McCown's best friends. They team also re-signed last years starting wide receivers Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton.
"I'm just as excited as I could be," said McCown. "A guy that can potentially be the one throwing all the balls to them. I'm going to do everything I can to be that guy. That's the kind of talent that you want around you. A guy like Antonio, like Kellen, like Mike, those are the kind of guys that make you look good."
McCown spoke about the proposed trade that would have sent Cutler to the Buccaneers.
"I have [heard about it], and the stance that I take on it is that if it didn't happen it doesn't matter," said McCown. "If it doesn't happen it doesn't really affect me at all. Obviously I would understand the circumstances concerning me if a trade like that were to happen, but I think I'm every bit as good as a [player like] Jay Cutler. That is just my opinion, and obviously you have to be confident in yourself. As of right now it doesn't effect me and hopefully it won't effect me."
McCown said that the team did speak with his agent about the potential trade, but felt that the conversation should remain private. McCown was not angry with the Bucs, and is excited to compete with any quarterback that the team acquires in free agency or the draft. Through sources within the organization PewterReport.com has learned that no quarterbacks are scheduled to visit the team at this time. McCown was asked if he was happy about the team not pursuing any of the free agent quarterbacks immediately in the first few days of free agency.
"I'll take that, but to me it doesn't really matter," McCown said. "They can bring someone in if they want, because I'm going to be doing everything I can to make sure that I win this job."
On Monday, McCown echoed the comments he made to PewterReport.com on February 9th about competing for the quarterback job.
"In my mind it doesn't matter with whom. I'm going to do my best to win the job and be the starter," McCown said on February 9th. "Be that with Brian [Griese] or Josh [Johnson] or whoever else they bring in. I know my teammates, and they know me. We are going to try and put something together that we can do well with on the field."
The 6-foot-3, 212-pound McCown has completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 1,617 yards and tossed nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions during his five-year career. He has also rushed 21 times for 157 yards (7.5 avg.).
McCown impressed the Buccaneers organization in the five games he played in place of Jeff Garcia during the 2007 regular season. McCown completed 94-of-139 (67.6 percent) of his passes for 1,009 yards and threw five touchdowns and three interceptions.
His first start in place of Garcia came in New Orleans, where McCown completed his first 15 passes en route to leading Tampa Bay to a 27-23 win over New Orleans that helped win the NFC South division title for the Bucs during the '07 season. McCown threw a game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Jerramy Stevens with 0:14 left in the game.
McCown served as the backup to Garcia for the majority of the 2008 season, but saw limited playing time behind Garcia, who is a free agent and has not had any visits with other teams. Garcia was notified prior to free agency that the Buccaneers would not re-sign him.
Since free agency started, the Buccaneers have been active in getting passing targets for McCown to throw to. Last Friday the team traded for tight end Kellen Winslow II, who is one of McCown's best friends. They team also re-signed last years starting wide receivers Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton.
"I'm just as excited as I could be," said McCown. "A guy that can potentially be the one throwing all the balls to them. I'm going to do everything I can to be that guy. That's the kind of talent that you want around you. A guy like Antonio, like Kellen, like Mike, those are the kind of guys that make you look good."
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Comments
JROGERS
Is he serious!? Does he really think he's just as good as Jay Cutler......HAHAHAHA . I like your confidence luke but lets be honest with ourselves. the reason the bucs went out and attempted to get jay cutler was becasue noone wants to come here i.e. TJ., Devry, Etc. and have you throw them the ball or a rookie. Thats why Tj didnt sign with the Vikings he doesnt want Sage Rosenfael throwing the ball..... lets keep it real people
4:04pm, March 2, 2009
lazyjake
I hope to god we try all we can to get Cutler. The thought of Rob Johnson Jr. starting makes me uneasy. I think id rather have Josh Johnson than McCown. McCown isnt even in Cutlers class. Word is McNabb is pissed the Eagles havent done anything and that he may ask for a trade soon.
What ever they have to do to get a franchise QB here, they need to do.
What ever they have to do to get a franchise QB here, they need to do.
4:11pm, March 2, 2009
BucsRunSht
Well at least the kid has a long career in comedy in front of him after he's done playing football...
4:30pm, March 2, 2009
d.schomburg
Hey just a good article about Cutler and how average he is http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3946294&sportCat=nfl
McCown has faith in his game and as of recent his stats say he is getting better and could be good.
McCown has faith in his game and as of recent his stats say he is getting better and could be good.
4:36pm, March 2, 2009
Mancrush
What is it with all these bloggers who have a mancrush on TJ Houshmanzinadah..... He's a #2 who received the benefit of CJ on the other side. He's not fast. He will barely be a 50 catch #2 anywhere else. If he was so goo wouldnt you think a team like Indy would have signed him already since they dumped Marvin.... Come on!! Its so funny seeing a bunch retards who think they are talent evaluators because they can play Maddon on playstation!!
4:49pm, March 2, 2009
Milquetoast
Ya know I really wish the get would get pissed off about something. I don't think he'd say shyt if he had a mouth full of it.
That could be exactly why he never got any play with Gruden. Have you seen Cutler's reaction out in Denver? He'
s hot as hell. McCown't doesn't have that fire that leaders of men must. He's just happy to have a chance and that sure isn't good enough. Grab the job by the throat or get out of the way of someone who will.
That could be exactly why he never got any play with Gruden. Have you seen Cutler's reaction out in Denver? He'
s hot as hell. McCown't doesn't have that fire that leaders of men must. He's just happy to have a chance and that sure isn't good enough. Grab the job by the throat or get out of the way of someone who will.
5:13pm, March 2, 2009
mostlarge
Free Agency for Bucs fans is over. Even with all of our money, Nobody we really want will come here. Players want to know there is a chance to win if they sign somewhere. They want to know who is throwing them the ball. To many questions. Hey Joel and Brian where are the answers? I think you left them at the dinner table that Thursday night with Gruden.........
5:15pm, March 2, 2009
architek
I love the faith and demeanor of this man. As the season approaches after the draft, I pray that this man of Faith show that all he needed was a opportunity to show what he is capable of doing. We do not need perfection but explosion and efficiency in the Red Zone. His arm is clearly stronger than any we have and can compete with any arm in the league but the repitition as a starter will help him to develop and you ney sayers will stop with the unruly and snide remarks. Go Bucs and Luke! Get a ground game and another WR and let KII/Bryant operate, we will be a threat.
5:24pm, March 2, 2009
HarriMags1
OK, give the man a chance ... JEEZ. I, for one, like the fact that this guy wants to come in and compete for the job! I like the fact that he doesnt get his panties in a wad just because the BUCS tried to upgrade the position (remember the gruden/garcia breakup??). I think he is calm, cool, and collected and ready for a LEGITIMATE shot at the starting job. I'm not saying he is the second coming of Christ, but don't we at least have to be fair to the man? Afterall he does have talent, and look who he's throwing the ball too AB, K2 and MC, with EG in the backfield and a young up and coming O-line. I don't think it is near the dire situation most of you are talking about. Take a deep breath and let this play out... If it doesn't work, we draft a qb next year.
5:38pm, March 2, 2009
d.schomburg
Hey mostlarge......the sky is falling lets all just panic and run in circles lets look at the free agents. Albert H. was just too expensive Redskins are high to pay him that much. Jonathan Vilma has knee problems and Bart Scott was already sold to the jets by Rex Ryan. TJ and Harrison and Coles are all good WR but are old and in their twilight. Besides that the rest of the free agents are above average at best. So no need to be jumping through hoops to sign a bunch of ok talent. Yes we still need to sign our depth people but there are plenty of those players out there.
5:39pm, March 2, 2009
rstone813
Do we trade for Quinn Browns are only asking for a 3rd round, or do we draft someone?
7:34pm, March 2, 2009
JFS414
Best line I've read from the almost-trade fallout: "McDaniels would have been better off slurping jello shots out of a biker's belly button in some strip mall sports bar Saturday night".
9:37pm, March 2, 2009
intrepid88
Same excuse every year...too old, too much money, blah blah blah...SPEND SOME OF THE DAMN MONEY like we did in our SB year - my prices are the same regardless!
10:38am, March 3, 2009
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