Bucs have a QB controversy, though Mike Glennon should be the man

TAMPA, Fla. -- It's a controversy only in the sense that neither option at quarterback has taken advantage of the opportunity and eliminated all doubt.

It's a controversy only in the sense that there's no clear choice based on play so far. Both possibilities are just so-so, and average or below-average performances behind center don't translate to many wins in the NFL.

It's a controversy only in the sense that both Mike Glennon and Josh McCown, separated by 11 years, are more similar than their age difference suggests. Yet the so-called mystery about who will start Sunday can be good for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their chess match against the Minnesota Vikings.

Coach Lovie Smith insists the Bucs don't have a quarterback controversy. Quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo said the same.

Still, there's the appearance of a controversy at One Buc Place, if for no other reason than Smith said "we'll see how the week goes" when asked about McCown's role for Sunday, as the veteran continues to practice with the severe sprain in his right thumb behind him.

"Our quarterback position has been strengthened with Josh coming back," Smith said.

Even with McCown healthy enough to play, this should be Glennon's job, based on the second-year player's ability to lead the Bucs to their only victory so far this season at Pittsburgh and on his ceiling as the franchise's quarterback of the future. Not to mention how uncomfortable McCown looked in three starts. Though Glennon hasn't overly impressed, a change would be jarring.

But the strategy employed in this chess game is understood, and it plays into Smith's hands as he looks for any edge at all come Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium for his struggling team.

After all, any hours spent studying McCown film in Eden Prairie, Minn., are hours spent away from focusing on Glennon. Smith shouldn't outthink himself with this choice, even if it means moving away from the man he figured would help instill his vision when the former colleagues in Chicago reunited last March.

An answer will come soon. Wednesday at One Buc Place was about reading tea leaves concerning Tampa Bay's quarterback situation, and Glennon appears to be the frontrunner to start Sunday after studying subtle clues.

He addressed the media behind the podium. He took snaps with the first team at practice. He has handled the questions as well as can be expected, knowing that a glance or two behind his shoulder with McCown healthy would be excused.

"It's good to see him get healthy, and he's great to have around at practice," Glennon said. "It's good to see him get back being able to throw it around. But it doesn't change my mindset. My mindset is to win games, and no matter if he's back or not, that's what I'm prepared to do."

McCown had the chance to assert himself. This cloudy situation is a reflection on both players, but McCown was given the head start to be Tampa Bay's answer all season.

Then 43-of-68 for 420 passing yards happened. Then the poor decision-making, the four interceptions, the loss upon loss happened. He should be better, so most of the blame falls on him.

McCown clearly hasn't been the quarterback Smith thought he was signing last spring. Glennon is no flawless presence, but there have been glimpses that suggest the Bucs should continue to develop him: The seven touchdown passes to three interceptions, the 302 yards passing at Pittsburgh, the mobility he showed in the pocket during a near-miss at New Orleans.

Chances are, Smith has made up his mind. Information is king in the NFL, and he's likely throwing Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer a knuckleball from behind the microphone.

A reporter asked, "Lovie, don't you have a quarterback controversy until you name your starting quarterback?"

Smith glanced ahead toward the small room, and without signs of fluster, offered his perspective on the issue at hand.

"I know I don't," said Smith, brushing aside the possibility like a gnat that ventured too close to his eyes. "I don't see it that way at all. We have two quarterbacks. You may say that. I don't say that at all. Guys know where they stand, the rotation that we have."

Above all, Smith's choice should be made with next year in mind. McCown's best days are behind him, and Glennon has more to show. Smith's staff, once and for all, should learn what Glennon can offer. The next 10 games should be spent refining the young signal-caller to prepare him for a fall when the Bucs can contend.

Tampa Bay's future arrived when McCown walked off the field at the Georgia Dome, his right hand throbbing and his Bucs tenure off to a terrible start.

Tampa Bay's future hasn't floored everyone with what he has shown in replacing McCown, but Smith shouldn't stunt Glennon's growth by re-assigning him to the sideline and a clipboard.

The so-called quarterback controversy is positive in the sense that it may force the Vikings to think twice about whom they'll face on Sunday, but it's also negative because there's no clear answer. The Bucs can change that.

Let Glennon continue to prove himself. Let him continue to earn comfort.

The alternative, McCown's second coming, doesn't offer as much potential reward.

"We've got two good quarterbacks who I'm real excited to have in our room," Arroyo said. "And whoever goes out there will give us a chance to win."

Glennon should be the one. That way, the future can include no doubt.

You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.