Bucs Review: Quarterbacks

Since the 2011 season is starting to approach us rather quickly, I thought it would be a good idea to review the Buccaneers at each position and discuss the potential that each bring to the table. Starting with the quarterbacks.

Here is what the Buccaneers look like at the quarterback position.

1) Josh Freeman
2) Josh Johnson
3) Rudy Carpenter

Out of all of positions on the depth chart, the quarterbacks are the least likely to change with Freeman being the clear cut starter, with Johnson and Carpenter following suit. 

The Bucs, in my opinion, quietly have some of the strongest quarterback depth in the NFL. Josh Freeman, 6’6” 250, is a play maker and is quickly establishing himself as a rising star in the NFL at 23 years of age. Freeman’s back up, Josh Johnson, is 25, has a live arm, and above average running ability for a quarterback. Johnson may not play a lot, but the Bucs see him as an definite asset to the team.

 At 6’3 204, Johnson is going into his 4th NFL season, all with the Bucs, and could easily contend for a starting job on another team. He’s one of the hardest workers on the team, and as the second string quarterback, Johnson doesn’t play much, but when he does, he proves capable of moving the chains and keeping the offense on schedule. In fact, Freeman credits Johnson for helping him as a rookie through his preparation and attention to detail when it comes to being an NFL quarterback.

Several times last year, the Buccaneers featured Johnson in the Wild-Cat and received positive results out of it, carrying the ball 22 times for 148 yds, with an average of 6.7 yds per carry and going 14 for 16 and 111 yds in passing opportunites. Because of his ability to make plays with his feet and throw the ball with good accuracy, the quarterback that I compare Johnson to is Eagles starting quarterback and human joystick, Michael Vick.

I’m not saying that Johnson is Michael Vick, but he does have similar traits with athletic ability and playing style; both quarterbacks are better on the move and each can make huge plays with their feet. If there had not been a lockout, I have to think that the Bucs would of traded Johnson to the 49ers for draft picks. 49ers head coach, Jim Harbaugh, had been rumored to really like Johnson and would of allowed him to get his guy at a young age and have NFL starting experience. Because of the uncertainty of the lockout, the 49ers took Nevada’s quarterback stand out, Colin Kaepernick, in the second round of this years draft.  

Johnson is ready to contend for a starting spot and there are several other teams that could use his services such as the, Cardinals, Seahawks, Redskins, and my wild card team, the Raiders. All of these teams have question marks at the position and once the lockout is over, they will need a quarterback that they can rely on and Johnson fits that mold. Don’t be surprised if you see the Bucs using more Wild-Cat and showcasing Johnson to other teams for trade purposes.

If anything were to ever happen to Freeman, the Bucs would feel better because they have a capable backup in Johnson. He may not be Freeman, but he is athletic, smart, and can make things happen if the play breaks down. I would love if the Bucs could keep Johnson his whole career, but it most likely wont happen. Johnson’s contract is up after this season and I know that he will want a shot at being the number one guy, and rightfully so. Until that times comes, the Bucs are set at quarterback for many years,  something that Bus fans thought they would never be able to say.