NFL NEWS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Glennon’s relationship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is an enigma as the only quarterback on the roster.

Report: Buccaneers’ Mike Glennon expected to generate trade interest http://t.co/WKDRTUzmPi pic.twitter.com/N4m4HKVFzT — theScore NFL (@theScoreNFL) January 27, 2015

While I speculated perhaps prematurely of Glennon’s imminent departure (for now), he’s managed to outlast (and possibly outplayed) the two starters he’s played behind in Josh Freeman and Josh McCown.

Head coach Lovie Smith reinforced his bode of confidence in Glennon Thursday saying, “…going forward, I thought our best chance to win was with Mike right now as our quarterback.”

Smith also called Glennon, “the quarterback of the future.” Whether or not that still is, will be realized in the 2015 NFL Draft where most outfits project the Bucs using their first overall pick on Oregon’s Marcus Mariota or Florida State’s Jameis Winston.

Things get further complicated should the Bucs become active in signing and/or trading for a starter-worthy quarterback. Signing a proven talent will mean either Glennon can find himself in a position similar to what both Joshes were when he was the primary backup or he’ll take over Glennon’s spot on the roster should the Bucs decide to pick quarterback first.

So should the Bucs keep Glennon? Let’s look at his two seasons with the team.

Through 19 Games Completion Percentage Passing Yards Touchdowns Interceptions Rating Mike Glennon 58.8 4,025 29 15 83.7

What about some other quarterbacks through their first full two seasons as starters?

Completion Percentage Passing Yards Touchdowns Interceptions Rating Andrew Luck 57.2 8196 46 27 81.8 Tom Brady 63 6607 46 26 86.1 Matt Ryan 59.7 6356 48 25 84.3

Since Glennon hasn’t played two full seasons as starter, let’s break it down to averages per game in their first two full seasons.

Completion Percentage Passing Yards Per Game Touchdowns Per Game Interceptions Per Game Rating Mike Glennon 58.8 211.8 1.53 0.79 83.7 Andrew Luck 57.2 256.1 1.43 0.84 81.8 Tom Brady 63 213.1 1.48 0.83 86.1 Matt Ryan 59.7 211.9 1.6 0.83 84.3

What sets the 2013 third round pick of the Bucs apart from Andrew Luck, Tom Brady and Matt Ryan?

Well for starters, Luck is the first overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft while Ryan was the third overall pick of the 2008 Draft. Brady was the sixth round pick of the New England Patriots in the 2000 Draft. Glennon was at least more accurate passer than Luck. Glennon was on par with Brady and Ryan as far as passing yards a game. Only Ryan threw more touchdowns than Glennon in his first two years. Glennon threw for the least interceptions on average while on the field.

Unfortunately for Glennon with a 5-14 record as starting quarterback, which also happens to be the highest scrutinized player position in the game. His accomplishments and progress became overshadowed over the most important stat, wins and losses. Ryan, Luck and Brady (through 15 games) all had 11-5 records in their first seasons as featured quarterback. Ryan (through 14 games) and Brady followed with 9-7 seasons why Luck was the only one who followed up with another 11-5 season.

Do the Glazers and coaching staff have enough faith in Glennon to succeed as starting quarterback for 2015?