Bucs: Red-hot Brad earns NFC honor

Red-hot Brad earns NFC honor

By ROGER MILLS, Times Staff Writer

TAMPA -- Bucs quarterback Brad Johnson said it's a product of good play on the offensive line, solid route running by his receivers, hard running by the running backs and good play calling by the coaches.

The NFC said it's him, and Wednesday it named Johnson the conference offensive player of the week for his performance against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

"When you win an award like that, first of all, your team wins the award," Johnson said. "We've had a lot of awards won on both sides of the ball this year. As a quarterback, you're only as good as the players around you. And we've got a lot of players playing at a high level."

In Sunday's 34-10 victory over the Falcons, Johnson was 23-of-31 for 276 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. The performance, which garnered Johnson a 140.6 passer rating, moved the 11-year veteran to first in the NFC in quarterback rating.

Johnson, who has started 12 of the 13 games, missing the game in Carolina with sore ribs, has completed 257 of 410 passes for 2,796 yards and a team-record 22 touchdowns with six interceptions. In his past five games, Johnson has 15 touchdowns and one interception.

"I was kind of disappointed that he wasn't player of the month, honestly," coach Jon Gruden said. "How do you play better than that? Jiminy Christmas, what do you want the guy to do? How many guys throw 15 touchdown passes in five games? What do you want him to do, throw 19?"

Johnson is the first Buc to capture NFC offensive player of the week twice in one season. He won the award after going 24-of-31 for 313 yards and five touchdowns in a 38-24 win over the Vikings on Nov. 3.

ALL QUIET IN THE RED ZONE: Johnson made a not-so-subtle suggestion that he didn't like the cannons firing when the Bucs got to their opponents' 20-yard line. And it seemed those in charge of game-day operations at Raymond James Stadium listened.

Against the Falcons, the cannons went off only once when the Bucs entered the red zone. But it's still not what Johnson wants.

"The cannons did go off, and we did have 12 guys on the field. I will say that," Johnson said.

HE PLANS TO EARN IT: Detroit rookie quarterback Joey Harrington, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2002 draft, has started 11 of 13 games and taken the predictable lumps of a first-year passer. But Harrington isn't about to give the Bucs defensive line, particularly tackle Warren Sapp, any extra motivation.

Harrington explained what he meant by saying he was looking forward to having Sapp jawing in his ear.

"I said that in a joking manner," Harrington said. "What I meant by that was, I saw a quote that Warren Sapp said that Brett Favre earned his respect because he kept hitting him, kept hitting him and he kept getting up. You know, I grew up watching these guys. I grew up watching Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks, the Packers. ... The biggest thing I want to do is go out and earn these guys' respect. If it takes a shot from Warren and getting back up, then so be it. That's what I want to do."

GLAZERS GIVING: The Glazer Family Foundation, the charitable arm of the Bucs, announced the donation of $25,000 to 17 local organizations with special needs. The foundation has awarded $150,000 to more than 85 organizations, a team release said.

Among those receiving grants: the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota, Meals on Wheels of Tampa, the Champions Fund, Southern Scholarship Foundation and the Tampa Chapter of the American Red Cross.

TRIPLE PENALTY: Bucs receivers Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell and Joe Jurevicius were notified of a $5,000 fine by the league for antics during Sunday's game against the Falcons. The three mocked the Falcons' "Pass the Magic" celebration after a number of touchdowns. The players can appeal the fine, but it is unclear if they will.

INJURY UPDATE: Safety John Lynch (neck strain) did not practice Wednesday and has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game. Jurevicius (right ankle sprain) sat out practice but is listed as probable. Defensive end Ellis Wyms (right ankle sprain), cornerback Dwight Smith (right knee sprain), guard Kerry Jenkins (right knee contusion) and McCardell (left quad contusion) all practiced and are listed as probable.