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Bucs Pass on Veteran QB

Posted Aug 17, 2010 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Aug 17, 2010 at 01:25 PM

By IRA KAUFMAN

TAMPA—The Buccaneers like to say it’s all about No. 5.

A glance at the depth chart appears to reinforce that claim.

Tampa Bay had chances to add a veteran quarterback behind Josh Freeman during the offseason, but the Bucs stayed pat with Josh Johnson at No. 2. Rudy Carpenter is here in camp competing for a spot on the final 53-man roster, but there’s a good chance the Bucs will keep only two quarterbacks when the regular season begins.

Coach Raheem Morris offered strong support for Johnson Tuesday, saying he was very comfortable with the former San Diego standout as Freeman’s backup. Johnson struggled in his four pro starts in 2009 and he encountered some ball security issues Saturday night at Miami, throwing an interception and fumbling twice.

If Freeman suffers a substantial injury, the Bucs will turn to Johnson and hope for the best. It’s a calculated risk and Tampa Bay is far from the only NFL club without an established No. 2.

But by going with inexperienced backups, the Bucs may be hurting Freeman’s development. A veteran quarterback could offer Freeman first-hand knowledge of the intricacies of NFL defenses, slowing the game down for the second-year pro.

The Bucs believe new quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt will fill that role and Freeman seems happy with the current arrangement.

Johnson needs to step up his efficiency in the next three preseason games. He needs to do his best to look like a veteran.