Posted Tue Aug 12th by Jonathan Douglas
So, last year many of you will remember that I was very high on bringing in Brad Johnson to backup Cutler. Yes, Brad is old enough to be my father, but he still has a strong arm and has spent time in quality programs that I believe try to mirror Denver’s success (like John Gruden’s). Mike Shanahan was definitely interested in Johnson when he was available last year, but Dallas ended up convincing Johnson he had a better chance at playing time over in the lonestar state.
However, there have been some rumblings recently that the Dallas organization isn’t happy having Johnson be their insurance plan. On Saturday the Chargers second string defense killed the Cowboys second team o-line and the results were predictable. Johnon still completed 8 of 15 passes for 89 yards, but he was sacked twice and intercepted once.
There have been calls (much like the ones here in Denver over Ramsey) to get rid of Brad. Wade Phillips is still sticking with his backup QB and will, reportedly, give him some time with the first string offense this week to see if Johnson looks better when surrounded by better protection. But all this drama makes this week very interesting.
Consider this… For several practices and then a preseason game on Saturday, Mike Shanahan and his coaches will get a very good look at Brad Johnson. Johnson was a player they liked as a seasoned veteran backup for Cutler (who could learn much from Brad). Ramsey has been playing average ball at best and Hackney is pretty short for a pro QB. Could this trip end up being a sales pitch to 17 year veteran?
Mark my words. If Brad Johnson would be released from the Cowboys, Denver will make a play for him.
If I was Shanahan, I’d try to show off Ramsey all week and hope he has a great game this weekend. Maybe Ramsey could look appealing enough to have Jerry Jones giving a QB swap some consideraton?
What do you think? Would a guy Brad’s age worry you more than Ramsey? Would you like having a vet with Brad’s experience in the lockroom? If you were playing Madden 09 and could just make the switch, which backup would you rather have?
Photo Courtesy: AP/David Zalubowski
Published on 08/12/2008 at Tue Aug 12 12:00.
Tagged: Brad Johnson,Dallas Cowboys,Patrick Ramsey,Top Stories.