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Brad Johnson Downplaying Expectations

By IRA KAUFMAN

ikaufman@tampatrib.com

Published: October 23, 2008

TAMPA - At the age of 40, Brad Johnson is a survivor, not a savior.

The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback is filling in for injured Tony Romo again Sunday against the Bucs, a club he led to a Super Bowl victory six seasons ago.

Johnson threw for 234 yards and a touchdown last week at St. Louis, but the Rams picked him off three times in a 34-14 victory that dropped Dallas to 4-3.

"I've been away from Tampa for almost four years, and I am really just looking forward to playing the game, not really caught up in the emotions of a different team I have played for," said Johnson, in his 17th NFL season. "The players I played with really aren't there, as a whole, anymore."

But when Johnson stands under center at Texas Stadium, he'll see linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber, two remaining stalwarts from Tampa Bay's championship season.

"It'll be good to see the Bull," Barber said Wednesday. "I'm looking forward to it."

Gazing toward the sidelines, Johnson will see Bucs coach Jon Gruden.

"I love that guy," Gruden said of Johnson, who boasts a career 61.8 percent completion rate. "We've stayed in touch over the years. He's special to me and always will be. He's a world champion.

"I wish him the best - he's a stud."

Johnson knows he is merely a caretaker of the NFL's No.3 attack until Romo recovers from a fractured right pinkie. The Bucs plan to shut down running back Marion Barber and add to their total of 12 interceptions, second in the league to Green Bay.

"Brad's still out there and he's still playing great ball," said defensive tackle Chris Hovan. "The team is on his shoulders right now, and I'm sure the onus is going to be put on the offensive line and Barber to run the ball and manage the game."

With a 71-52 lifetime record, Johnson is eager to prove there's some juice remaining in that well-traveled right arm.

"I think I've been able to win for most of the coaches and teams I've played for," he said. "I've led three teams to the playoffs and I've won a Super Bowl. I've gone through some tough times, obviously, but over my career I've been consistent."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833.

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