By JOANNE KORTH, ROGER MILLS
Published December 25, 2003
TAMPA - Backup quarterback Shaun King would love to play Sunday against the Titans but has no indication coach Jon Gruden will stray from starter Brad Johnson as the Bucs try to avoid a losing record.
"I have improved so much, and I'm about to be a free agent," King said. "I would love to go out and show everyone where I'm at as a quarterback. But I'm not going to be bitter."
Johnson, who missed three games last season because of injury, has stayed healthy in 2003. He started every game and finished all but two, a 31-10 victory against the Falcons and 24-7 loss to the 49ers.
King saw the least playing time of his five-year career, completing four of seven passes for 24 yards and rushing twice for 18 yards.
"I would never desire to play because Brad was hurt," King said. "I would rather we perform like we were supposed to and we could blow a couple people out and I could get a fourth quarter here or there."
King, who tested the free-agent market last season, said he would like to compete for a starting job in the league.
"You never feel good about going into free agency," he said. "You just never know. Hopefully some people paid attention to how I've improved. I think if they asked the coaches and players how I performed this year throughout the season, I played at a high level. Hopefully I'll get the opportunity to compete for a starter's job somewhere. If not, I have no problem coming back here."
A TEACHING TOOL: While the Bucs will enter the offseason committed to put the disappointments of the season behind them, some players said it had its value.
"I've never been in a position before to defend a championship, and now (we) have," linebacker Derrick Brooks said. "You try to take these lessons and learn from this season in the (upcoming) offseason and build into making yourself a better player."
Johnson noted the close losses, five by a combined 14 points, should serve as a reminder that a game is never over. He pointed out the Panthers, winners of the NFC South, lost four games by a combined 10 points last season. "This year they won those close games. And this year, it didn't happen for us," Johnson said. "You can play great for 59 minutes, and you don't get the win. You have to play for 60 minutes. Sometimes you have to play into overtime, too. We'll look at it as a learning lesson."
FOLLOWING A MODEL: Considering that neither of last season's Super Bowl teams will make the playoffs, the league's penchant for parity is working. But teams still can have a successful run at multiple Super Bowls, and the Rams are proof. "They won in 1999, had an off 2000 and were back in the Super Bowl the next year," Brooks said. "Teams obviously re-adjust for whatever reason to get back to that point. That's going to be a challenge for us for next season."
The Rams appear on their way to another postseason run. They are 12-3 with the best record in the NFC and earn homefield advantage throughout the conference playoffs with a victory or Eagles loss.
CHRISTMAS CHEER: Things aren't as giddy at One Buc Place as they were a year ago at this time, but the holiday season hasn't been forgotten. Many players, especially those with children, said they were looking forward to Christmas morning.
"My boys are ready," Johnson said. "They see all the presents, and they are going after the big boxes, not the little boxes. So I'm excited to see the kids open up their toys and presents.
"Santa Claus will definitely be at my house."
Had the Bucs been in the playoffs, today likely would have been a day of light practice or meetings. But Gruden gave the team today off.
"I have no (extended) family in town, so it's going to be nice to wake up and give the kids their presents," tight end Ken Dilger said. "My little girl is 4 years old now, and she's expecting a lot of gifts from Santa."
And how does a workaholic coach find time to do Christmas shopping?
"I sent Ray Morgan, our assistant, out to pick up a few things," said Gruden, who then said he was joking. "I don't know what he's got yet, but we'll see. I'm not very good at these (Christmas) things. My wife's outstanding."
JENKINS FINED: Guard Kerry Jenkins was fined $7,500 by the NFL for repeatedly shoving the head of Falcons' end Patrick Kerney into the ground after Kerney's clean hit on Johnson during Saturday's 30-28 loss.
INJURY REPORT: Offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker (right knee sprain) is questionable. Center John Wade (left rib contusion) is probable. Defensive tackle Warren Sapp, bothered recently by foot ailments, did not practice Wednesday but is expected to play, Gruden said.
