I agree, Jim. Brad Johnson was a master field general among quarterbacks. The game was strategic exchange between himself and the opposing defenses, and Brad was usually up to the task. He had other qualities as well: accurate passing and timing, quick release, and remarkable composure.Mothman wrote: The Bucs defense was definitely the main strength of that team but I think Brad Johnson was more of a missing piece that helped them win the Super Bowl than a guy who just came along for the ride. It wasn't a situation like the one in Baltimore, where Dilfer was just sort of out there to avoid mistakes and manage games. Johnson was a genuinely good QB at that point in his career. He was a Pro Bowl-caliber QB (and not in the "5th alternative who was willing to go to Hawaii for the game" sense).
I just always feel bad for the guy when I see him placed in the "Hey, if a team could win with this guy" category, if you know what I mean.
BTW, remember the TD Johnson scored on his own pass. The pass was deflected and he caught the ball, then ran it in for a touchdown. I still crack up when I watch Robert Smith on the play. Smith is looking in the end zone to see if the pass was caught or not, and then suddenly he sees Brad Johnson run past him carrying the football.