TAMPA — George Johnson, who has never started an NFL regular-season game, appeared to be in midseason form Monday night.
In his second stint with the Bucs, the veteran defensive end hounded Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton throughout Tampa Bay’s dominant opening half. Johnson, signed as a free agent from Detroit, was credited with 1.5 sacks, two QB hits and four stops, including one tackle for loss.
Johnson keyed a swarming defensive effort that limited the Bengals to 49 total yards and three points before both teams substituted liberally in the second half.
Reason to believe
ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Mike Tirico, who worked Monday night’s game with analyst Jon Gruden, said the Bucs could be one of the NFC’s surprise teams this fall.