Buccaneers need fresh start off bye

TAMPA, Fla. -- Lavonte David is only a second-year player, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be wise to take some advice from the linebacker.

David said Monday that the bye week is coming at a good time for a team that has gotten off to an 0-4 start.

“I think it gives us a chance to go clear everything out; all the negative things that have been going around that people have been saying," David said. “It gives us a little bit of time to clear our heads and regroup, comeback. We have a 12-game stretch after this. Come back, regroup and be ready for that 12-game stretch.”

As I said yesterday, the Bucs need to resolve the situation with quarterback Josh Freeman because it’s causing too many distractions. This team has had nothing but distractions, starting with MRSA staph infections and continuing with reports that players aren’t fond of coach Greg Schiano’s ways.

If the Bucs are going to rescue this season, the need to use the bye week to start fresh and focus squarely on football.