Greg Schiano Press Conference Notes, 8/19: Josh Freeman’s Pocket Presence and Doug Martin’s Head

Aug 16, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shakes hands with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano following the preseason game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Buccaneers 25-21. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve already brought you up to date on two of the biggest pieces of news from Greg Schiano’s morning press conference after Monday’s practice, but here are some other bits of news and notes to consider:

• Davin Joseph worked with the team in drills and scrimmages today, and participated in all but two periods. There is still a process of recovery for Davin.
• Doug Martin is doing well, but was designated as a non-contact player during practice to make sure there are no flashbacks to his near-injury on Friday night. Martin had a “regular season type of practice,” according to Schiano.
• Danny Gorrer still has not practiced after a groin injury during the Baltimore game. There wasn’t any apparent concern that this is a long-term injury, but they’re being cautious with a key piece of depth for the defense.
• Schiano told the assembled media that the starters would play more in the week 3 preseason game, but that it would be on a player-by-player basis. He did specifically note that Josh Freeman would get more snaps, and the main reason he got fewer snaps against the Patriots was thanks to his wealth of experience against their defense in scrimmages during the week.
• The Buccaneers’ head coach also took some time to point out Josh Freeman’s pocket presence, saying he is one of the best he’s ever seen at standing tall, climbing the pocket, and keeping his eyes downfield. Freeman has struggled with handling pressure in his career, but it’s mostly mental errors. Schiano took the time to point out that Freeman does have very good technical ability in the pocket.
• Brian Leonard did not play against the Patriots because of “old age and a slight strain,” according to Schiano. He said the team “saw what they needed to see” from Leonard. I doubt there was truly a strain, I think they know that Leonard is their guy and didn’t want to push the veteran runner.
• Michael Smith apparently got hurt during the game against the Pats, which is why only Mike James and Peyton Hillis carried the ball once Doug Martin left.
• Schiano took a moment to praise Mike James, saying he’s a very good one-cut runner, and that he doesn’t accept negative plays. Says he reminds him of Doug Martin, but not as fast.
• The Bucs’ head coach also took the time to talk about Da’Quan Bowers, and noted that he was not frustrated with Bowers. He even had some positive things to say about his performance on Friday night, including seeing him do some things “they hadn’t seen before.” Bowers is still a work in progress, and Schiano admitted that Bowers does sometimes disappoint him with his performance on certain days.