Josh Johnson Critical Backup
August 13th, 2011
It was comfortable for Joe to watch backup quarterback Josh Johnson tear up the Chiefs tonight.
Johnson was Mr. Everything tonight. he led the Bucs in total offense, both through the air in passing and on the ground with rushing. His 24-yard run to bring the ball near the goal line was not an accident, so Johnson told the Bucs radio network after the game.
“On the run, it was a naked play,” Johnson said. The Chiefs defense “covered all of my reads and I saw a seam and tried to let my natural ability take over. Coaches have told me to do that. I hoped to get the team in position to make a score.
“Coach gave me a lot of opportunities to put some drives together. I was finally happy to get to play someone else.”
Johnson almost seemed a bit surprised he played that well as he noted it was difficult to go an entire offseason without a chance for OTAs or a minicamp or to hang at One Buc Palace studying tape.
“Not having an offseason was critical for us quarterbacks,” Johnson said. “We didn’t have a chance to get out mental reps in or get our feet wet. Now [in training camp] it’s everything times-10. Fortunately, we have the same coaching staff and are not struggling with a new playbook.
“It’s been different.”
The way JJ is playing, he’s putting together a reel for other teams to grab him next season when his contract is up.
August 13th, 2011 at 12:03 am
JJ reminds me of a poor mans Vick. He is going to be a decent starter somewhere else
August 13th, 2011 at 12:06 am
And be traded to 49ers for at least a 4th round pick. They need him
August 13th, 2011 at 12:07 am
Joe,
What do we do man? I for one am very confident in J.J. as a backup and hate knowing that he’s most likely gone after this year. It’s a shame that we probably won’t be able to get anything in exchange for him when he bounces. The inner GM in me wishes that we would just offer him to Miami for a third because the Phins should be horrible and we’re going to lose J.J. for nothing in free agency. But the Buc fan in me wants to keep him as a legit #2 in the event something happens to Free and because I’ve become a fan over the last few years. I remember watching his first start when he looked like a deer in headlights, now he actually looks poised and in control. Man I hate the feeling that J.J. most likely won’t resign.
August 13th, 2011 at 12:12 am
FreemanBomb5:
JJ wants to start and Joe can’t blame the guy. Unless something dire happens to Josh Freeman, JJ won’t start here.
JJ will go to a team where he has a prayer of starting. Next year.
August 13th, 2011 at 12:15 am
I sure had fun watching Josh Johnson play tonight! He made several nice throws and showed his mobility on many runs. I would hate to see him go, but Joe’s right, you can’t blame him for wanting to have a chance at a starting job.
August 13th, 2011 at 12:27 am
As I was watching him run wild tonight I thought its about time we start looking for a new backup. The guy keeps playing like that and he will be fighting someone for the starting gig next off-season on some other team in some other city. I wish him the best. Hes earned it.
I was also really pleased to see our multi-million dollar o-line absolutely destroying the chiefs on the majority of plays that Freeman was in. I think he only got touched once.
August 13th, 2011 at 12:38 am
I love JJ’s play and agree that he could have success with other teams. I think if you put him behind the Miami line he could turn into a great QB where the run option is always there. He has the legs like Vick but is a much better passer then Vick was at his age.
I want to keep him but if the trade value is right then I say send him to an AFC team…
August 13th, 2011 at 1:13 am
What game were you guys watching?
The Chiefs played like crap. Josh Johnson has stellar accuracy and a cannon sewn onto his shoulder, but he needs to visit the wizard in search of a brain. Running around like a wannabe Vick will not win any games. I pray Freeman doesn’t get hurt because this guy won’t cut it against a 1st team D. I was so happy during one dropback in the 3rd quarter. He looked downfield and had good protection but nothing was there. He looked to his right and had a back open in the flat with noone near him. I guess he felt a little too comfortable and he looked back upfield only to get sacked. Brains please.
August 13th, 2011 at 10:16 am
Espo, I have to somewhat agree with you about JJ last night. He does have excellent athletic ability, but I think he lacks the confidence to make many of the passes Freeman makes. This may be rust, but I think it is more of pattern with him, that he won’t pull the trigger on close coverage or passing to a spot and knowing the receiver will be there to make the catch. He made some good plays, but he had a host of bad ones too, and running is not always the answer for a QB and should be used sparingly and always in a way that avoids the hit, any hit. I love the Bucs, don’t get me wrong, but JJ is not ready “today” to be a starting QB after watching last night’s performance. I’m not saying he can’t be, but he lacks consistency and vision. It may just be that dark visor and a night vision.
August 13th, 2011 at 10:33 am
He lacks an internal timer in my opinion. He holds on to the ball too long and took two sacks on his own. Trade bait.
August 13th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
JJ is a starter in the NFL, and will surely be gone from Tampa next year. I say trade him.
August 13th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
JJ played great last night. Harbaugh should be on the phone now.
August 13th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
If the Bucs are smart, they extend Johnson NOW. Give him a fat signing bonus so he will be more inclined to sign and then with him under contract trade him away NEXT season when we’ll have had time to get Freeman another good backup (Carpenter or other). Otherwise, Johnson will sign with somebody else next year and we’ll get nothing for him. If Kevin Kolb is worth an excellent CB and a 2nd rounder (basically a high #1 and a #2) then surely Johnson is worth no less than a #3… likely a #2.
August 14th, 2011 at 5:49 am
I hear ya Brandon, but Kevin Kolb was proven as a starter in more real games then JJ.
But still, Tampa needs to get something for him. Everyone knows he is as good as gone from Tampa next year, one way or the other.
August 14th, 2011 at 11:13 am
That was my point, as much as it pains me to say I think we should try to deal him to MIA, CIN, or BUF (someone that will most likely suck). I’d rather get a fourth rounder back in return for what was a 5th round pick we made. Atleast in a sense we get something instead of absolutely nothing.
August 14th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Iwould prefer to have a good backup for our Superbowl run than trade JJ for a late round pick.