Who? Michael Johnson, That’s Who.
September 28th, 2014
Michael Johnson chases down Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger for one of his two sacks today. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.
Joe had been dogging Bucs defensive end Michael Johnson because the Bucs put a nice chuck of Team Glazer cash in his lap to do one thing and one thing only: pressure the quarterback.
Until this afternoon, the only thing Johnson had pressured is the pen to sign his checks.
He had been invisible, unseen, rumored to be on the roster. So Joe began to tag him with the question “Who?” whenever Joe referenced his name because Johnson’s roster spot seemed to be a figment of one’s imagination.
That imagination became reality today. Johnson finally showed up. He showed up in a big way early with two sacks of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. How frustrating was it that Johnson wasn’t earning his keep (yet)? Consider, even unquestioned team leader Gerald McCoy was wondering if he was appearing in games.
“We watched the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati game up in Cincinnati last year and Mike was flying off the ball, flying all over the place,” a proud Gerald McCoy said after the game. “I said to Mike, “Hey, is this the guy that is coming to the game?
“He did.”
He sure did. Johnson’s sacks were two of the five times the Bucs put Roethlisberger on the ground. Johnson’s efforts early helped keep the Steelers from building a big lead, thus, allowing the Bucs to mount a late comeback drive for the win.
To hear from Johnson, click the arrow below. Audio courtesy of THE Buccaneers Radio Network and Joe’s friends at WDAE-AM 620.
September 28th, 2014 at 6:06 pm
He was terrific today, and we won!
September 28th, 2014 at 6:07 pm
It was nice putting a face to the name today!
September 28th, 2014 at 6:09 pm
Just like our one win today out of four…NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!! 2 sacks and finally showing up in 1 game out of 4 doesn’t and will never cut it….#90 looks like a FINE player…when healthy, and of course….when MOTIVATED TO BE. NOT SOLD on #90. However, I AM SOLD ON #8…Only QB out of 3 the past 2 seasons now to win games, PERIOD.
September 28th, 2014 at 6:11 pm
just saying…he got rolled up from behind early in the game today…
September 28th, 2014 at 6:18 pm
I gotta say it. Kudos to YOU, Joe, for 1) rightfully calling Johnson out publicly for his lack of production thus far and 2) giving credit where credit is due after his Buccaneer breakout performance today. Classy. Well done.
September 28th, 2014 at 6:19 pm
Joe,
How about writing a post about all thd negative things you have said about glennon and then you can print it out and burn it and then start fresh.
September 28th, 2014 at 6:20 pm
I’ll be a believer when MJ90 can deliver consistent play. Right now he’s just another guy in the DE rotation.
Not earning the contract he signed
September 28th, 2014 at 6:22 pm
Any success linked to his familiarity to a past division rival?
September 28th, 2014 at 6:25 pm
Hehe. I’m so happy I’m going to watch the game again. With popcorn this time.
September 28th, 2014 at 6:25 pm
Joe/Dawg…write and say all this sheet…and don’t think people can read or remember….I for the record have only been crank’n on Lovie
September 28th, 2014 at 6:26 pm
Hey Joe, don’t forget about that Da’Quan Bowers sighting
September 28th, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Nice plays by Johnson……….Finally! And McCoy started well……but he disappeared ?..
Glennon won the game with the help of steeler penalties
September 28th, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Johnson was great. Secondary looked better with the “crock” not in there. I glad they let Glennon sling it today. That dink n dunk won’t work. When they have to defense 40 yards downfield. 20 to 30 yards downfield opens up.
September 28th, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Glad to see Johnson step up and play. It’s not like he doesn’t have the tools to be a top pass rusher, he just didn’t seem to be showing the effort we expected early on. I hope his good play today continues and he helps this defense become the dominant force we thought it could be!
I also agree with BucFanInArkansas….give credit where credit is due. Nice article, Joe!
I’m sure we will see and equally praiseworthy article on MG8 in the next day or 2! The Glennon Mob is growing!
September 28th, 2014 at 7:02 pm
Great game Michael Johnson 12 more games to go, the score is 4 games, one paycheck earned
September 28th, 2014 at 7:30 pm
He played great today. 2 sacks and a forced fumble. I’ll gladly settle for that each week. Good job MJ!
September 28th, 2014 at 7:37 pm
Good lesson to us all. I’ll admit I was concerned too over his play in the preseason and first 2 games but def over the top to be calling somebody a bust after so few games and when they have an ankle injury.
September 28th, 2014 at 7:38 pm
Perhaps Johnson reads JBF and got tired of that (who) label.
September 28th, 2014 at 8:39 pm
lol at those trying to claim bust 3 games in.
He pressured Ben into overthrowing brown on 3rd down at the end of the game too.
September 28th, 2014 at 8:49 pm
Love it when armchair QBs sit back and rip players for not producing while injured. Most people have probably never had a high ankle sprain much less tried to square off on said ankle against 300+Lb lineman. He’ll it’s hard enough to walk up stairs or push off from side to side.
September 28th, 2014 at 10:21 pm
he stepped up and visibly playing through pain….