An obvious choice, perhaps, but given the importance of the quarterback’s performance in big games and Brad Johnson’s relative inexperience in such affairs, he looms largest as the Bucs’ X factor.
Johnson has become the very essence of coach Jon Gruden, and the Bucs will count on him, knowing their top-rated defense is unlikely to falter.
The Bucs’ offensive line long has been suspect, but Gruden knows how to utilize his tight ends and backs for additional help. Against the Eagles, Johnson got rid of the ball quickly with mostly three-step drops, and he is unflappable if he happens to throw an early interception.
Johnson also is tough, and when he is missing from the Bucs’ lineup, the dropoff is dramatic. Without him in three games this season, the Bucs’ scoring average dropped by 11 points and average passing yards by 77. Consistently improving throughout the season, he finished with the NFC’s best passer rating at 92.9–and the unquestioned respect of his teammates.
“He’s very underrated, I think,” Bucs wide receiver Keenan McCardell said. “Brad is a guy people say didn’t have everything, but he just overachieved and is a playmaker in this league. Brad makes plays every time he’s out there, whether it’s the right decision or making the big pass, dropping the ball off to Michael Pittman for a 5-yard gain or throwing a 30-yard bomb.”
He is easy to root for, not overly gifted, a ninth-round draft pick not overly blessed with good timing or luck in an 11-year career that took him to Minnesota, Washington and the World League before arriving in Tampa two years ago.
“I always hoped this day would come,” said Johnson. In the spirit of the Trent Dilfers and Tom Bradys who have come before him, his day may be waiting for him.
%% Johnson by the numbers
YEAR COMP ATT YDS TD-I SACK
2002 281 451 3,049 22-6 21
Career 1,747 2,831 19,428 114-74 162
%%
OTHER X’S
KEYSHAWN JOHNSON, JOE JUREVICIUS
One or the other must make some big plays and, judging from last week, one of them will, though Keenan McCardell may have been the steadiest of the bunch against the Eagles.
MIKE ALSTOTT
He usually can be counted on in third-and-short situations, but it sure would be a help if he could utilize his 15 or so carries for more serious runs. If Alstott can break one, it would take a lot of pressure off the offense.
RONDE BARBER, BRIAN KELLY
If ever there was an opportunity to prove they should have been voted to the Pro Bowl, here it is, against two of the best in Jerry Rice and Tim Brown and with the Super Bowl at stake. Throw in the ever-improving Jerry Porter as a dangerous deep threat and the entire Bucs secondary will have to prevent the big plays to give its team a chance.
