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Catching on Bucs WR Johnson embraces new offensive philosophy
TAMPA, Fla. -- Arriving at the Buccaneers training camp Sunday afternoon, Keyshawn Johnson attributed his distinct lack of baggage to the offseason purchase of a home just minutes away from the University of Tampa campus. "I didn't even bring a TV," said Johnson, smiling. "And I always bring a TV." In truth, Johnson's lighter load is more a reflection of the mental rather than physical state of setting up shop for the 2001 season. With Tampa Bay's refocused offensive emphasis this year, Johnson figures to be carrying considerably more weight on his shoulders, a scenario that has rendered him the happiest of campers. "I feel a whole lot better," said Johnson, reflecting on his turbulent first season in Tampa Bay. "I've got some people who I really feel are behind me and in our corner as a group, and that's a plus. ... I'm just excited to play football. I don't think being in the situation that I was in last year was conducive to my health. I don't want to have to go through that situation again." Last year at this time, Johnson was in the heady process of stepping aboard the good ship Buccaneer following his blockbuster acquisition during draft week. But this season, with Johnson embracing the changes the Bucs have made at both starting quarterback and offensive coordinator, the team's star wide receiver is finally and fully on board.
With Clyde Christensen replacing unpopular Les Steckel as coordinator, and free-agent quarterback Brad Johnson promising to deliver the experience and consistency that Shaun King never could, Johnson is convinced that the confusion and frustration of last year has been swept away. Trying to reverse one of the most glaring failures of the Steckel era, Christensen has been vocal about his intention to raise Johnson's profile in the Bucs offense this year. Specifically, Christensen's plan calls for getting Johnson the ball early in games, and making him the team's primary target within the red zone, where much of his best work as a New York Jet took place. It was no secret that Johnson chafed under Steckel's conservative approach, and as the year wore on, he lost confidence in King's ability to find him in key situations. The result was a 71-catch, 874-yard, eight touchdown season that lacked the kind of impact Tampa Bay bargained for when they awarded him an eight-year, $53 million deal. While Christensen has not forsaken the entire 2000 Bucs playbook, he has whittled it down considerably and opted to spotlight the roles played by Johnson and running back Warrick Dunn. The Bucs won't be throwing caution to the wind, but they will be throwing in situations that used to inspire draw plays on third-and-8. "Everybody always says it's just a new coordinator," Johnson said. "No, it is a new offense. Because any time I'm running [pass patterns] that I didn't run in the past, that means that it's new. "I think [Christensen] understands exactly what we're trying to get done here as an offense. ... There are things in general that we didn't use last year that we probably felt as a group we should have used. Now, taking a look at them in camps this offseason, you can tell it's a totally different situation."
More than anything, Christensen has worked hard to clarify each player's role, attempting to end the identity crisis that plagued Tampa Bay's offense last season. Despite setting team records for points (388) and touchdowns (43), the Bucs offense was an unreliable mish-mash, compelling head coach Tony Dungy to name both his third different coordinator and starting quarterback in three years. "I know exactly what we're trying to do, and that helps the situation," Johnson said. "I know and have a feel for what we may do on certain downs and distance, just from working with Clyde in the [mini]camps. 'OK, it's third-and-4. This is probably what we're going to do.' "Last year, it was kind of like, 'I don't know what the hell we're getting ready to do. Who knows? Just buckle your seatbelt and let's figure it out.'" Johnson never mentioned Steckel's name Sunday, but he didn't have to. Implicit in his contentment regarding the upcoming season was his disappointment at how last year unfolded. More than feeling forgotten or overlooked on the field at times, Johnson felt his voice wasn't heard enough in regards to the game-planning and direction of the offense. "I think it's more of an open-door type policy [now]," Johnson said. "But it's not to the point where [Christensen is] going to listen to everything you have to say. He has to go with his own instincts. At the same time, at least you know you're being heard and people are paying attention to what you're talking about. You're not just saying things for your health. And that wasn't the case in the past." In Tampa Bay, with another NFL season at hand, the past is once again a big part of the story of the present. After looking back on Sunday, both Johnson and the Bucs seemed poised to move ahead. Don Banks covers pro football for CNNSI.com.
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