Johnson’s time has arrived
Defensive end George Johnson, acquired in an April trade with the Lions, will make his first career start Sunday when the Titans come to town for the opener. He had six sacks last season for Detroit.By Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff Published: September 7, 2015TAMPA — George Johnson has waited a long time for this moment.The Buccaneers’ 27-year-old defensive end is on the brink of his first NFL start Sunday, when Tampa Bay and Tennessee meet at Raymond James Stadium.Acquired from the Lions in an April 15 trade, Johnson is expected to open at right end. next to Pro Bowl DT Gerald MCoy, as the Bucs try to contain speedy rookie QB Marcus Mariota in the season opener.“It means I’ve come a long way,’’ said Johnson, who has played in 27 games with Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Detroit without a start. “From a guy on practice squads (Bucs, Vikings) to a starter ... that’s progress.’’Although McCoy is one of the league’s most disruptive interior linemen, the Bucs have struggled to generate consistent pressure off the edges. Johnson, who registered six sacks in part-time duty with the Lions last year, is determined to make a difference in his second stint with the Bucs.“We always hear that chatter about the pass rush, but at the end of the day, we know what to focus on,’’ Johnson said. “We’re going to go out there and prove everyone wrong.’’Mariota won the Heisman Trophy at Oregon last year, directing a prolific spread offense that operated at a high tempo. He didn’t showcase his running ability much in the preseason, but Mariota’s athleticism is a key concern for the Bucs, who are three-point favorites.“We can’t let him run a lot,’’ Johnson said. “He’s a fast guy who outruns a lot of players. If we can keep him in the pocket, it’s an advantage to us.’’Kickin’ backThe Bucs are relying on two inexperienced players to handle their kicking chores, but coach Lovie Smith doesn’t sound worried. P Jacob Schum and K Kyle Brindza are hoping to give a boost to special teams units that struggled for much of the preseason.“I’m excited because both have strong legs,’’ Smith said. “We’ve looked at a lot of people trying to get those positions right. We feel good about going into the season with both guys.’’Schum beat out veteran Michael Koenen while Brindza, a rookie obtained from Detroit a week ago in a trade for TE Tim Wright, won a three-way competition against Connor Barth and incumbent Patrick Murray.“I’m eager to go out there Sunday and do my job,’’ said Schum, who will also handle the holding duties. “I’m really excited to do what I’ve been waiting for my whole life.’’Brindza secured his job with two long field goals in Thursday night’s preseason finale at Miami.“It’s going to be something else, a dream come true,’’ he said of the season opener. “To be able to get this opportunity is a blessing. I’ll walk out there confident I’m going to do my job.’’New man in townVeteran CB Tim Jennings officially became a Buccaneer on Monday and said his familiarity with Smith’s Cover 2 scheme was a key factor in signing with Tampa Bay as a free agent.“It was easy,’’ said Jennings, who led the NFL with nine interceptions for Chicago in 2012, Smith’s final season as coach of the Bears. “Once I came in on a visit, I walked through the door and saw a lot of familiar faces. As far as being comfortable, being in a place where you’re wanted, where you feel comfortable with the system, it was a no-brainer.’’
