TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Raheem Morris eventually will have to declare a winner in Tampa Bay’s prolonged quarterback derby.
The Buccaneers’ first-year coach reiterated as much Friday without announcing a timetable for choosing between Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown.
Less than a week after saying it would not be fair to the candidates to extend the race beyond the third preseason game, Morris said delaying the call would not put the winner at a disadvantage heading into the regular season.
“We thrive on being mentally tough. (Leftwich and McCown) have to be mentally tough. This is part of it. … This is just another test for our team. This is another test for our organization,” Morris said.
“We’ll have a decision very soon. It won’t affect our preparation for Dallas one bit. I’m not worried about that.”
Leftwich outplayed McCown during Thursday night’s 10-6 preseason loss to Miami. Still, both quarterbacks made enough mistakes to raise questions about whether either had done enough in three games to earn the job.
quarter against the Dolphins. Leftwich led two field goal drives while completing 9 of 17 passes for 100 yards; McCown went 5 of 11 for 38 yards and didn’t produce any points for the second time in three weeks.
Morris planned to meet later Friday with general manager Mark Dominik, as well as quarterbacks coach Greg Olson and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski.
“Of course, it’s not their decision to make. They’re going to give their opinion, though. … I’m going to take it all in because as a leader, that’s your job. As a person put in a position to make the call, that’s your job.”
Once the choice is made, Morris said he would inform ownership before addressing the team.
“When you’re talking about your quarterback, you want to go to your ownership. There’s no doubt about it,” the coach said, adding that’s “more of a respect thing than a have-to thing.”
Leftwich, who has no turnovers this preseason, has thrown for one touchdown and produced four field goals in 12 possessions.
McCown has worked 10 possessions, throwing for two TDs and leading one drive that ended with a missed field goal. His lone turnover was a fumble in the first preseason game.
Morris would not say which way he’s leaning.
“I do have my opinion, which I’m not going to share with you right now,” he said.
answers. I’m smart enough to know there are a lot of smart people out there, and I’m going to listen to all of them. I’m going to take in everything they say, and we’ll make the decision.”
Asked what each quarterback potentially brings to the starting role, Morris stressed he’s confident both are capable of doing the job.
“If Byron Leftwich is your selection. His leadership, the fact that he’s won 12 games in this league before, the fact that he’s a big strong-armed guy that can make all the throws. … Has the savvy, has the toughness, mentally sharp, all the qualities that you look for in a quarterback,” Morris said.
“If Luke’s your choice, you’re talking about a young man that’s hungry, that’s waited his turn. You’re talking about a guy that’s been in the background for years, always been the bridesmaid. Hungry, wants to go out there and make some decisions. Can make plays with his feet. Can make all the throws. Is a leader, sharp, detailed, one of the hardest workers on our team.”
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