Since the Buccaneers have cut ties with quarterback Josh Freeman, they’ve handed the keys to the offense to rookie Mike Glennon, a third-round pick.
The former N.C. State signal-caller has been decent in two starts. He has completed 50 of 86 passes for 466 yards and three touchdowns, thrown three interceptions and been sacked four times. In losses to Arizona and Philadelphia, he has a passer rating of 70.2.
“I think they’ve got a keeper,” Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said.
Glennon, 6-foot-6 and 232 pounds, played for Tom O’Brien while with the Wolfpack. O’Brien, who’s since been fired, recruited Matt Ryan to Boston College before moved to N.C. State in 2006.
“I think he’s very good,” Nolan said. “He does look like Matt Ryan to me. He stands in the pocket the same way. He delivers the ball very much like Matt. He’s very confident. Now, he’s not Matt, he’s a rookie. But at that stage, he reminds me a lot of him.”
Glennon, like Ryan, was taught by quarterbacks coach Dana Bible.
“Mike has been really well-trained,” Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said. “I think both of those guys really make quick decisions. They are good with the football.”
The Bucs have not been shy about letting Glennon pass. He’s attempted 43 passes in each of his starts.
In a 31-20 loss to Philadelphia last week, he completed 26 of 43 passes for 273 yards and had passer rating of 84.7. On Sept. 29 in a 13-10 loss to Arizona, he completed 24 of 43 passes for 193 yards and had a passer rating of 55.7.
“What we try to do is just give him a clear progression and let his ability take over,” Schiano said. “I don’t get him worried about throwing into tight windows because he has the ability to do that. The only thing we talk to him about is don’t second-guess your receiver. See it. Read it. Throw it.”
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