Pat Yasinskas, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Josh McCown frustrated with start

TAMPA, Fla. -- On talk radio and message boards, Tampa Bay quarterback Josh McCown has been taking a beating.

But it’s not any worse than what McCown is saying to himself.

“It’s awfully frustrating,’’ McCown said Tuesday. “I’m not going to shy away from that. I’m very disappointed. I’m disappointed in myself and just this start. It’s not what anybody wants.’’

The Bucs are 0-2 and McCown, who was signed in the offseason to provide a veteran presence, has thrown three interceptions -- all at crucial times. McCown was asked to evaluate his play and he didn’t give himself passing marks.

“At the end of the day, you hear about quarterbacks being measured by wins and we’re 0-2,’’ McCown said. “For me, that’s how I evaluate it. I say, 'What could I have done better to help us win the ballgame?’ In both games, I really felt like I did a lot of good things except the three turnovers in those games. Those have been critical.

“As I evaluate myself, that’s really what I focus on, not letting that happen. That will continue to be the focus as it is every week. The other part is that I’m pleased with how I’m playing, throwing the ball and those things. I feel like that part is good. But I’ve just gotten outside the pocket and made bad decisions with the ball and you can’t do those things.’’

The interceptions are surprising because McCown threw 13 touchdown passes and just one interception for the Chicago Bears last year.

“I look back on the tape last year and it’s not there,’’ McCown said. “It’s not something I was doing. It’s frustrating to me.’’

McCown admitted he might have been pressing at times.

“Not every play has to be made,’’ McCown said. “I’m pleased with my decisions in the passing game. When I get outside the pocket, I’m really frustrated with those. Those aren’t good. That’s what’s got to change.’’

^ Back to Top ^