Upon Further Review, Raheem Morris Demotes Leftwich

NFL News - September 28th, 2009 - Written by John

At a post-game press conference, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris backed Byron Leftwich, saying: "I can't sit here and tell you that this game can be blamed on any one man. Five first downs, 0-of-9 on third down, 28 yards rushing. If I take Byron Leftwich out of the game, I might as well take everyone else out with him."

Well, 21 other players...

Morris changed his song today, announcing that Josh Johnson has been promoted to starter after the Bucs have crawled to an 0-3 start. The move comes after Tampa Bay was shut out by the New York Giants on Sunday. Leftwich's immobility crippled the team's chances to stay competitive, or break away when they were leading. Instead, Johnson provides a more nimble option.

Johnson is a fifth-round pick from the '08 draft. Only playing in two games last year, Johnson completed four of his 10 passes with no touchdowns or interceptions. He does, however, have one rush for 15 yards.

"He gives you the dynamic that you all know about," Morris said about Johnson.  "He creates a better chance to break out of the pocket and make a play with his feet.

He will be one of five possible quarterback changes this week. Matt Hasselbeck and Marc Bulger are still ailing from injuries and Chad Pennington's status is up in the air after being knocked out of Sunday's game. In Cleveland, head coach Eric Mangini is still mum on his starter after benching Brady Quinn.

Leftwich was actually dropped two spots on the depth chart. He was also bumped by Josh Freeman, a rookie who was picked in the first round out of Kansas State.

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