Career Backup

Josh Johnson the No. 2 quarterback behind Byron Leftwich on Sunday. It was a curious decision to say the least given the presence of first-round pick Josh Freeman, the man the franchise has proclaimed its future. Why, then, was Johnson the choice to enter the game in the event something happens to Leftwich? Coach Raheem Morris said it was because the club is starting to groom Johnson for what it deems his long-term role as the Bucs' No. 2 quarterback. Morris, who honestly seemed to mean this as a compliment, said Sunday, "I talked about him being my Jason Garrett, my career backup. . . You’re talking about preparing a guy who you think can be your long-term backup. You might as well put him in a game right now. That makes (him) prepare a little differently."It was Morris' way of saying Johnson is an asset for the team. Garrett, now a Cowboys assistant, was the consummate backup and made a good living doing so. But we're pretty sure Johnson has loftier goals. Still, when told by reporters on Monday of Morris' characterization, Johnson laughed out loud but did not take offense. For what it's worth, Johnson is probably absorbing more during meetings and practices -- even as an observer -- because he knows he's just a heartbeat away. So, in that sense, perhaps he is growing as a player.