Raheem defends dismal Bucs season

TAMPA - Amid rumors Raheem Morris will be replaced, the Bucs' head coach defended his team just one day after Tampa Bay ended their first season under his watch with a 3-13 record.

"I'm very proud of their effort all season and the effort they have shown throughout the trials and tribulations of this season," Morris said opening his 12:15 p.m. post-season news conference.

The Buccaneers lost to the Atlanta Falcons 20-10 at Raymond James Stadium yesterday, after taking a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. 

But quarterback Josh Freeman set a Bucs rookie record with 10 TD passes and has the best completion record amongst NFL rookies this year.

"That's a positive for him. And he knows he can get better. We know he can get better, and we look forward to him getting better," Morris said. "So we're fired up about that."

Morris said the key now is to look to the future, with Freeman being the number one priority, followed by the draft which should be built around him.

While the firings around the NFL have already started with the Washington Redskins new GM Bruce Allen dismissing Jim Zorn at 4:30 a.m., there are no indications the Glazers are ready to make any head coach changes.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Morris responded when FOX 13 sports reporter Kevin O'Donnell asked about his return. 

Morris said he hasn't sat down with the Glazers yet, but plans to later this week.