Then and now: Josh Johnson

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Josh Johnson is now the number 2 quarterback.

The series continues as we take a look at the 5th round pick, Josh Johnson, the quarterback out of University of San Diego. Johnson, the 6’3″ 205 lb. 3rd year player started several games last season before stepping aside and allowing Josh Freeman to take over as the starter.

Johnson came in last year into a tough situation with a bad team around him, only throwing for 685 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, while only completing 50% of his passes. Johnson has a strong arm and good speed to escape the pocket and create on the run, but he often forced passes and made bad decision, which is not all his fault (we don’t have the best receiving core in the league). While at USD, Johnson threw for over 9000 yards.

Johnson is now the number two quarterback behind Freeman and helps provide depth, experience, as well as a playmaker behind him in case of injury. Johnson often made bad throws last year, but without a solid running game behind him and worst than average receivers (looking at you Clayton), he didn’t have a fair chance out there to succeed, plus with Freeman behind him, his chances were thin to keep the job for long, he was simply keeping the seat warm for Freeman. Johnson was the tools necessary to become a good starting quarterback in the NFL, but the chances are, it is not with the Bucs. For now, he will have to sit on the bench behind a franchise quarterback.