Camp breaks, with big questions answered

Bucs return to Tampa, with Brad Johnson seemingly solid at QB.

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 22, 2002

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- The training camp evaluation ended and the evacuation began.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden officially closed Camp Chucky after a brief workout Wednesday morning and players disappeared like dragonflies relocated from the Disney facility.

They'll return to One Buc Place this morning, and two preseason games remain. But here are five things training camp told us:

1. Brad Johnson is the best quarterback to run the Bucs' offense.

Turns out when Gruden told everyone Johnson was the starter, he wasn't blowing smoke. The Bucs love Rob Johnson's athleticism and Shaun King's heart, but neither is as steady and ready as the 33-year-old veteran.

Last week, Brad Johnson proved that with protection he has enough arm to get the ball downfield, as evidenced by three completions of more than 20 yards.

But he only has had two seasons in which he started all 16 games at quarterback, so the other guys need to keep their arms loose.

2. Michael Pittman could make people forget about Warrick Dunn.

Pittman's problem is not what he does on the field, it's staying healthy. On the first day of training camp, the free agent from the Cardinals sprained his ankle. He aggravated the injury Friday at Jacksonville. But all you had to see was Pittman's first run in the preseason, a 38-yarder, to know he has explosiveness and power.

Dunn was a terrific runner in traffic, but he isn't built to withstand collisions like Pittman.

Besides, if Pittman struggles, Mike Alstott is more than capable of running behind fullback Jameel Cook.

3. Keenan McCardell is the best thing that ever happened to Keyshawn Johnson.

McCardell's presence will prevent defenses from cheating coverage to Johnson's side. The former Jags receiver has a knack for feeling the soft spots in zones, runs precise routes and has flypaper hands. Meanwhile, Johnson is back home on the weakside of the defense at split end and will watch his yards after the catch skyrocket.

Johnson-McCardell will be every bit as good as Rice-Brown or any other tandem in the NFL.

4. Offensive line coach Bill Muir has the toughest job on the coaching staff.

Muir is all that he is cracked up to be. He has no loyalties and will make sure his best five offensive lineman are on the field. It may take time, but if Cosey Coleman returns and Kenyatta Walker holds up at right tackle, the Bucs will be respectable run and pass blocking.

An injury to Todd Washington, who is filling in for Coleman and has a gimpy knee of his own, makes the O-line a house of cards.

5. The Bucs defense is as strong as ever.

If Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks stay healthy, Tampa Bay's defense will be among the top five in the NFL. Shelton Quarles was maybe the star of camp after moving to middle linebacker. They'll miss the interceptions from Donnie Abraham, but Terrell Buckley and Dwight Smith might fill that void in nickel and dime coverage.