Johnson: Take note, Goldberg

By DARRELL FRY

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 9, 2000

	Main Bucs page Bucs forum Dungy: Redskins a concern The best the league has to offer Scoring Bucs tickets will be luck of the draw Road to NFC Central title more like a roller coaster 'Skins easily earn a trip to Tampa Johnson: Take note, Goldberg Bucs present big challenge, Redskins say Titans return from oblivion Sinking fast . . . who will bail?

LANDOVER, Md. -- Redskins quarterback Brad Johnson said he felt he had no choice but to tussle with Lions defensive end Robert Porcher in the third quarter of Washington's 27-13 win Saturday at FedEx Field.

Johnson had just thrown an interception and Porcher tried to block him. Johnson thought it was a bit excessive.

They wrestled to the ground with Johnson seemingly getting the better of the bigger Porcher. Personal fouls were called on both and Redskins guard Tre Johnson, who came to Johnson's defense, was ejected. Coach Norv Turner said he did not expect Tre Johnson's status for the Bucs' game to be affected.

"The (interception) is 40 yards away and I felt like it was a cheap shot," Brad Johnson said.

Later, when asked about his standing up to Porcher, he quipped: "I've been watching a little The Four Horsemen, WWF and (Bill) Goldberg. I felt like I won it."

SEEING YELLOW: Penalties have played a major role when Detroit and Washington have met lately. In the Lions' win at the Silverdome on Dec. 5, the Redskins incurred 14 penalties for 122 yards.

Saturday, the Lions drew 12 penalties for 126 yards. Six penalties came in the first half when Detroit fell behind 17-0 early. The most damaging was perhaps Clint Kriewaldt running into the punter. That sustained Washington's opening drive, which led to a pass interference penalty in the end zone and a Redskins touchdown.

AND DON'T COME BACK AGAIN: Lions quarterback Gus Frerotte, a former Redskin, got an immediate and inhospitable welcome back to the area. First, he was booed loudly when he took the field. Then he was sacked hard on the first play by blitzing linebacker Greg Jones. Frerotte said he broke a finger early in the game.

LIMPING TO TAMPA?: In addition to Davis, Redskins starting left tackle Andy Heck sustained a torn hamstring early in the game. His availability against Tampa Bay is uncertain.

Davis said he will play.

Turner said he gave Davis a game ball, then joked "but I told him he can't collect it unless he plays at Tampa."

Turner agreed Davis should be healthy enough to play.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.