The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a new starting quarterback: Mike Glennon. He was the Bucs' third-round pick in 2013, and Glennon's best asset is his arm strength. He can fit the ball into tight spaces throwing underneath, and he can drive the ball downfield when he steps into throws. If he can be more consistent with his downfield touch than he was at North Carolina State, he should develop into an excellent deep-ball thrower.
That’s an intriguing prospect for a team that has the power-run game to set up its play-action package. The Buccaneers also have one of the more dangerous vertical threats in the league, WR Vincent Jackson. Glennon is accurate throwing underneath, and his ability to lead receivers puts them in great position to produce after the catch. At 6-foot-7, Glennon has a high release point, which reduces the chances of his short-to-intermediate passes getting tipped by pass-rushers.
There are reasons why teams, including the Buccaneers, didn't draft Glennon earlier, and they start with inconsistent decision-making. He tends to stare down targets and he doesn't always read underneath coverage well, which showed up in the preseason when he threw a pick-six against the Patriots. The second is pocket presence. He moves his feet fairly well for his size, and he does a nice job of keeping his eyes downfield when pressure off the edge forces him to step up, but he's not as effective sidestepping interior pressure and he doesn't always step into his throws when he gets pressure in his face. In addition, he can hold on to the ball too long, which opens the door for big hits and strip sacks.
The good news for Glennon is the Buccaneers should continue to rely on RB Doug Martin, which will help keep the Arizona Cardinals' pass rush on its heels in Week 4 and set up the play-action package for Glennon's first start. Plus, while guards Davin Joseph and Carl Nicks are coming off serious injuries in 2012, they have the talent to bolster the interior pass protection.
On the other hand, Jackson and WR Mike Williams are both banged up and listed as questionable. It’s important that both play, and play well, because the Buccaneers don’t have great depth at receiver, and they lack a playmaking tight end.