It’s crystal clear that Josh Freeman is ‘the guy’ in Tampa Bay at quarterback. When Raheem Morris and the front office of the Buccaneers declared Freeman the starting quarterback extraordinarily early on in the offseason, it was understood that Josh Johnson wouldn’t really have an opportunity to beat him out in a training camp battle this summer.
And he still isn’t going to unseat Freeman, even if he delivers two stellar performances in the Buccaneers’ final two preseason games. Freeman of course is out for the remainder of the preseason with a thumb injury. Johnson understands that he’s not playing for the starting role, but he’s also aware of the fact that anything and everything can and will happen in the NFL. And he’s excited about the chance to prove he’s ready to deliver if he were forced into action during the regular season.
“It’s always that chance. In this league as a backup, you’re one snap away. That’s the mindset. … I’m just playing it by ear,” Johnson said. “But I’ll be ready for Week 1 if I’m called upon, just as the case is right now. We’ll see what happens.”