Expect Six Sacks From Michael Johnson
March 11th, 2014
Six-sack man?
A year after racking up double-digit sacks, Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson had but 3.5 last year. For context, Adrian Clayborn, who is suddenly taking heat for being just “solid,” had 5.5 sacks last year.
It always sends up a red flag to Joe when a playoff team lets a starter walk away, which is what the Bengals are doing here. Bucs fans should be concerned but not alarmed, yet, so writes NFL insider Dan Pompei.
A long-time acquaintance of Joe’s Pompei knows his stuff and does his homework and research. Pompei believes Bucs fans can expect a solid guy against the rush in Johnson, and perhaps six sacks. Anything more, well, is gravy.
Johnson had only 3.5 sacks last season, and in five NFL seasons he has had more than six sacks only once. Sacks are not a complete reflection of a defensive end’s performance, and Johnson is a better player than his sack numbers indicate. He gets pressure and forces the quarterback to move. But those sack totals are a red flag. The end game for a pass rusher is to get the quarterback on the ground. Johnson has not done that consistently. I have spoken with people who have worked with him on the Bengals, and they think he is a good player who helps them win. He’s solid against the run. They wanted him back at a price. Johnson has potential to be more than he’s been. But you have to be careful about paying for potential. Anyone investing in Michael Johnson has to be OK with getting about six sacks out of him, which is more than his average over his career. What is that worth? Less than he is going to get, for sure.
Yes, the Bucs finally have their edge rusher, but is he really that much better than Clayborn? Time will only tell.
No, Joe is not upset with this signing. Joe is in a dark funk with the awful news the Bucs want to throw at worst the second-best cornerback in the NFL in the nearest dumpster.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:02 pm
“the Bucs want to throw at worst the second-best cornerback in the NFL in the nearest dumpster.”
====
That’s right. And that dumpster is Cleveland.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:04 pm
this guys has the “tools” so did gaines adams and kyle Moore or Less
March 11th, 2014 at 12:05 pm
I’m glad you hate cutting Revis so much Joe. Horrible decision to say the least. Johnson’s replacement, Wallace Gilberry (remember him?) has as many sacks after Johnson got hurt. Not too sure this is a very good signing at all.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:09 pm
If Cleveland gave TB the #26 overall that they got for Richardson and flipped the 4 for the 7 at the top of the first round, that’d be enough for me for Revis. I’d be happy as hell about that.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Michael Johnson very solid. You have to remember the Bengals lost Geno Atkins early in the year, shifting coverage to Johnson. No breaking the bank and he 100% wanted to come to Tampa. Good things, people!
March 11th, 2014 at 12:10 pm
@Teddy we all can dream
March 11th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Welcome to Lovie’s world….
You all wished for him and now you got him, hope you’re all friggin’ happy, ya’know, I really like the Colt’s new uni’s same as the old uni’s just cleaner….
My Lovie over-under before the masses call for his head….
2.5 years.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
maybe Johnson is a little better than Clayborn against the rush, but i would wager that, but for all the stunting, Clayborn would have had a few more sacks. Don’t see how this is much of an improvement, also, 8.5 million for this guy seems a bit much. He clearly is not the all stud edge rusher we are looking for.
as to Revis, i just hate to give up a number 1 and 4 draft pick and only get the benefit of having Revis healthy for less than half a season. Money dictates almost everything, but still losing Revis sucks big time.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
This Revis thing is just not making logical sense to me, considering that next year the cap is expected to rise to 145 million. Revis’ 16M per year contract is just going to get easier to swollow as the seasons go on. I can only assume Licht’s plan is to grossly overpay all the free agents he wants so ensure that they choose the Bucs over going to a team that was a 2013 playoff contender.
Either way I am not too impressed with this years free agency candidates and who we have been linked to, none of which justify letting Revis go this year.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
I’m with you on the Revis deal Joe. I simply DO NOT get it! Well, whatever!
As to Johnson, I hope he can live up to these fans expectations. Some are giddy, I’m not one of them. Solid, sure. Earth shattering, meh!
March 11th, 2014 at 12:16 pm
@Teddy: On a scale of 1-10, how likely do you think it is for us to get such a deal. I’ll say 0.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:16 pm
If he is near the top of the the NFL in hurries, knockdowns and batted down passes I would be OK with six sacks.
Bucs aren’t going to throw Revis in the dumpster; it makes no sense whatsoever, regardless of what the national reporters with sources say.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
Cut your losses and move on. We need a better OL and DL or else it won’t matter who is playing CB, WR or QB.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:18 pm
I don’t know if Johnson is our answer at DE, that will be determined on the field. However, it’s easy to understand why Cincy “a playoff team” had to let him walk. They couldn’t afford him. After extending Geno Atkins/Carlos Dunlap to massive 50+mil deals each, along with AJ Green extension, they couldn’t fit another $40mil + DL on their team and hope to have anything else on the roster. I don’t think the fact they let him go speaks to his talent.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Teddy is a dreamer. I appreciate that. Dare to dream Teddy, dare to dream.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Release Revis & get the 3rd round pick back from the Jets and they will get the Bucs 4th round pick. Then try to re-sign Revis to a longer term contact at a more realistic price.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Jim’s an even bigger dreamer than Teddy. Dream folks! Dream!
March 11th, 2014 at 12:25 pm
LOL at that Jim, that places alot of faith that revis wont get more from somewhere else and just walk. I think its wiser to keep a proven player rather than gamble just to improve a 4th to a 3rd round draft pick
March 11th, 2014 at 12:29 pm
No…. he’ll have 8.5 like Superman M.Bennett. (sarcasm) Johnson’s exodus from Cincinnati was needed. Let’s just say Johnson was distracted last year and this will allow him a fresh start. Joe, I love you guys ..but you’re being negative nancy’s. I thought you endorsed Lovie and Licht but now you’re questioning all their moves. Where’s your faith?
March 11th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Six sacks by Johnson? Is he talking about in his first game as a Buc? That would be awesome. Pompei is an idiot and knows as much about football as Peter King does…nah scratch that, Larry King. Michael Johnson will indeed benefit from McCoy to his inside but also from being placed at the wide 9 position of the RDE in the Bucs D. He will be allowed to, and expected to, do what he does best. Explode off the ball and turn the corner. He did a lot more two-gapping in one game with the Bengals than he’ll do all year for the Bucs.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:32 pm
Tell the whole story. Compare their pressure numbers.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:34 pm
lmike Said:
“Welcome to Lovie’s world….
You all wished for him and now you got him, hope you’re all friggin’ happy, ya’know, I really like the Colt’s new uni’s same as the old uni’s just cleaner….
My Lovie over-under before the masses call for his head….
2.5 years.”
Might want to give him a chance since he hasn’t even started. 🙁
March 11th, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Report: Browns consider trading for Darrelle Revis
Frank Minnifield & Hanford Dixon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUZwoG5zPeY
March 11th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Can’t be too bothered about any of this, seeing how those new uniforms are still slated for the season.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:40 pm
@Brandon
Get’ em
March 11th, 2014 at 12:42 pm
So excited I can’t see straight. Pardon the sarcasm.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:42 pm
maybe we can get your Boy Dom back to save the day
March 11th, 2014 at 12:49 pm
• Browns show ‘significant interest’ in Darrelle Revis
By Dan Hanzus
• Ian Rapoport
If #Browns were to trade for Darrelle Revis — there is interest — I’m told he’d have to renegotiate his contract. Would he? It’s possible.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000332844/article/browns-show-significant-interest-in-darrelle-revis
Darelle Revis & Joe Haden
-Comparable to
Frank Minnifield & Hanford Dixon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUZwoG5zPeY
???
March 11th, 2014 at 12:54 pm
61 pressures joe.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:54 pm
It is dumb to get rid of Revis this year. We have cap space with him and next to nothing as far as depth behind him. And I don’t want to hear about the three mediocre corners we could pick up with his salary. If we are set on dumping him, we need to at least get back the picks we gave up for him, (1st and 3rd or 4th), otherwise it’s not worth loosing him. As far as the premature Lovie bashing goes, the only people even thinking about calling for his head are the ones who were pissed we hired him in the first place.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:55 pm
At least we wouldnt have to give up a 1st and 3rd round pick to overpay this guy.
Just want to hear him admit at some point Marque Domineeke was maybe the worst GM in modern history. The reason TB is having to pony up for DE’s now is that ‘rock roadie’ MD whiffed on drafting/ signing any good DE’s.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:55 pm
“…Johnson has potential to be more than he’s been…”
That is exactly what potential is, potential = UNrealized ability. Coaches are always a sucker for that bc they believe they are better coaches and can pull out that UNrealized ability
March 11th, 2014 at 12:57 pm
Well I don’t like this signing but if anyone can get the most value out of DE it’s love and crew (outside of Marinelli)
March 11th, 2014 at 12:58 pm
I would trade with the Browns if they agreed not to match my offer to Alex Mack!
March 11th, 2014 at 12:59 pm
Once again I am on a roll. Said the same thing last week.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:04 pm
Let me get this straight. The bucs would rather get rid of at the very least the second best corner in the league because he makes 16 mil, but they will pay a DE 8.5 mil that really hasn’t proven anything (24 mil guaranteed). Folks, this is why the national media/fans always clown this area and organization. We just continuosly make decisions that keep us as a “laughing stock” per Greg Schiano. Its a Bucs life alright.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
just don’t get it. the dude had 12.5 sacks 2 years ago, 15 in his other 4 seasons combined. bowers or gholston could probably rack up 15 sacks in 4 seasons at a fraction of the price. not sure if i follow the logic of wanting to dump an overpaid player who is proven to be one of the best at his job in order to subsidize overpaying a player who hasn’t put up starter-worthy sack totals in 80% of his NFL seasons
March 11th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Brandon Says
“Six sacks by Johnson? Is he talking about in his first game as a Buc? That would be awesome.”
You really have not looked much into Michael Johnson, have you?
I believe the thinking is that Johnson is about as good as Clayborn (who is younger) and Johnson can play the left side, allowing the Bucs to keep Clayborn on the right.
I think you are looking at our starting Dline. Spence is good enough to develop with Lovie around, so it will be Clayborn, McCoy, Spence and Johnson.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
pick6 Says:
March 11th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
just don’t get it. the dude had 12.5 sacks 2 years ago, 15 in his other 4 seasons combined. bowers or gholston could probably rack up 15 sacks…”
Gholston maybe. Bowers is more of a bust. I do not expect him to even make the team.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:07 pm
No to Johnson. If we are going to part ways with Revis then we better get a lot more than a Bengal outcast. How about sending a good offer to JARED Allen. At least he can get more than 6 sacks. This is becoming a joke.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:11 pm
6 sacks? Gholston should be able to provide at least 6 sacks. Johnson should be in the double digits for the money they’re reported to be giving him. If Johnson doesn’t produce this season, I will be questioning Lovie and Lichts ability to evaluate talent right off the bat. I Revis is cut or given away for a song, that’s a whole other problem. How do you entertain giving up on one of the best defenders in the game when you’re calling card is playing tough defense?
March 11th, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Everyone was so excited to see Schiano go and Lovie brought in.
We’ll see how you all feel when the draft comes around, because Schiano had the best drafts since before Dungy came here.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:17 pm
This is very good news. Finally adding some real talent to D line to help Clayborn and McCoy put some heat on the damn quarterback. Also sounds like Tampa was his number one choice. The Revis gong show is a hell of a lot more depressing. Next up maybe Collins, McCluster, Tillman an hopefully McCown to add some needed experience to the position.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:20 pm
Michael has proved he can beat single blocking schemes which is what he will face next to McCoy
March 11th, 2014 at 1:25 pm
take out his one big year and the guy has averaged fewer than 4 sacks per season. Both of Clayborn’s full seasons have been equal or better to this guy’s non-outlier seasons, and clayborn was a TFL machine to boot. johnson may be an ok player, but i think he will be redundant very soon thanks to a current or future draftee. i’d rather have had michael bennett for the same guaranteed money ($8 mil more than seattle guaranteed him), at least he can rotate to the inside in pass rush situations as a young DE emerges over the next couple of years.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:48 pm
The other issue people always gotta remember is now he’s gotten paid, and very nicely. Will he still bring it 100% or will he start to coast a bit? He’s above average but not great at 100%, so its another element of risk to this.
March 11th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
“It always sends up a red flag to Joe when a playoff team lets a starter walk away”
Like Michael Bennett? (except the playoff part)
March 11th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
@BoJim
My wife’s team is the Bears, she’s born and bred Southsider, so I follow the Bears quite a bit, I watched as he was given more and more control over the Bears rosters and these were exactly the moves he made and the types of players he signed, which eventually got him fired. He’s a name of the week chaser, and now he doesn’t even have Jerry Angelo to say no to him or to at least fight him on some of his moves, nope he’s got his own puppet at GM which means no one to save him from himself. When we hit Lovie’s ceiling of ten wins a season, lemme know how you feel then….
March 11th, 2014 at 2:11 pm
3.5 sacks a year, or less, for his entire career- minus one year.
Did they sign him to be a backup?
Wow- this guy had less sacks last year, than several of our superstars!
It just keeps getting worse.
Enough B.S. Excuses. Shouldn’t our new “Sackmaster” actually manage to Sack the QB?
He played next to some pretty good players in Cincy. Why no sacks?
March 11th, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Almost 9Million a year for Michael Johnson???? Every news I hear from the Bucs makes me feel worse…..
March 11th, 2014 at 2:24 pm
Terrible Jersey
Trying to Get Rid of Revis
and now sign an over rated player to this much money???
Now I wouldnt be shocked if Bucs Trade McCoy for a 5th round Pick and Lavonte is Released…… I thought this season was suppose to be better…..
March 11th, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Oh no we suck the sky is falling we needed a pass rusher and we over paid for one help help help to much money. please people stop crying over a free agent signing if you dont like it dont watch the bucs go jump on the broncos bandwagon thats the part of being a true fan of a team you go through good times band times and you put up with bad moves when they happen but stop with the judgement especially before any player or coach even takes the field .johnsons ink hasn’t even dried yet abd your saying we over paid.
go bucs go johnson.
March 11th, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Oh no we suck the sky is falling we needed a pass rusher and we over paid for one help help help to much money. please people stop crying over a free agent signing if you dont like it dont watch the bucs go jump on the broncos bandwagon thats the part of being a true fan of a team you go through good times band times and you put up with bad moves when they happen but stop with the judgement especially before any player or coach even takes the field .johnsons contract hasn’t even dried yet abd your saying we over paid.
go bucs go johnson.
March 11th, 2014 at 3:09 pm
Cbell, we’ve been through the bad times. Its called every year since 2007. The fact this team is making what appears to be terrible moves is not inspiring any confidence. Its looking more like we’re closer to the Bills and Browns of the world than the real contenders. It’s not fun to watch this franchise revert to the Yucs years.
March 12th, 2014 at 12:11 am
Buccaneer Bonzai said:
Everyone was so excited to see Schiano go and Lovie brought in.
We’ll see how you all feel when the draft comes around, because Schiano had the best drafts since before Dungy came here.
—————————————————————————————-
Not everyone…gone on record saying I thought Schiano should have gotten year 3 if for no other reason than the cat knows how to draft. I looked at Lovie as probably the best of the retread candidates, but if he lets Revis walk and gets zero in exchange I will start to question that. Still I guess it’s his job he’s risking, so he must have his reasons. If it goes horribly awry we know the Glazers aren’t afraid to blow it up again in two years.