I didn't want to clutter up the front page with 3 posts on Johnson, so I'll attack this here, where I first started, the fanpost section.  This is on off the cuff look at the decision going forward.  I didn't research any of this, but instead, did just what the title said, I instantly put some thoughts down on this move.

We've all heard by now that Josh Johnson has been named the starting quarterback heading to Week 4 at Washington.  The other part of the plan is to make Josh Freeman the number 2 quarterback with Leftwich slipping to third on the depth chart.  There are a few surprises here.

It seems whenever a Tampa Bay quarterback gets benched, the slide all the way to number 3.  I always found this curious.  If Johnson gets hurt early in the game, are we really trotting Freeman out there?  If so, why not start him? Moving Leftwich all the way to #3 just seems off. 

It's clear that this is a team looking ahead now.  UNFNole asked a good question.  Is this move a result of film study and Morris and Dominik's decision that Johnson gives them the best chance to win?  Is it a result of locker room mumblings or outside influence?  Or is this a way to see Freeman enter for certain in the next 6 weeks?

With Johnson, the Bucs add another dimension to their game.  A quarterback who can move and throw is a huge asset in the league.  We've seen a glimpse of what JJ can do, albeit against inferior competition.  He gets a weakened Washington defense next week and if he survives, gets Philly in Philly.  While I'm perceived as a Leftwich homer for some reason (couldn't be further from the truth), this decision has me nodding my head.  It shows that at least the coaches are awake during the game.

What's unfair about it is Leftwich is taking the blame for an entire offense's failures.  This was not a Leftwich problem, it was inclusive of every one on the team, from the starters, to backups to coaches and to label this and blame Leftwich is ridiculous.  He did everything we knew he would.  If you were surprised by his three game totals, I don't know why.  He played his part perfectly.  Immobile QB who has a cannon for an arm, holds the ball a long time and has a knack for tossing one up.  The goal was to have him lead a team who was dependent on the run, and throw 20-25 times a game.  The offensive line, running backs, receivers, and coaches failed him there.

Johnson will no doubt be a change.  I'm hoping the coaches adapt (it is allowed) to him and put in some shotgun packages, some roll outs, and some intermediate routes.  He should not be running the same play book as Leftwich.  His speed can be an asset, but he has to learn to utilize it.  You don't sprint out on every play.  You are a quarterback first.  I have no reason to say he doesn't get that, but want to remind everyone else.  I think Johnson will perform adequately with some growing pains.  Give him some time, if he doesn't go 30 for 30 and 400 yards in game 1, it's ok.

Freeman as #2 scares me.  The old saying goes "you're only a play away."  I've been in the "sit Freeman" corner since we drafted him.  I don't want Morris or Dominik to switch gears now due to the local boo birds.  Stick to your plan.  If it's to sit Freeman all year, then do it.  If it's to play him in Week 10, then do it.  Don't change course now.  That's reactive and seems foolish.

If nothing else, this will at least calm the local neanderthals.  No reason to spout off how Johnson is better than Leftwich.  Let's see.  I hope he plays well.  I liked him last year and thought he was the guy this year.  He has the opportunity all quarterbacks want, a chance to start.  Only he has to do it on an underperforming team.  He will need help that Leftwich didn't get from his offensive counterparts. 

Week 4 seems to start the new era of Bucs football, the Josh era.  I'm surprised the move was made this early, but it seems Morris had nothing else to do. 

Edit:  Also, color me intrigued on Morris.  This move comes after he stated Sunday night there would be no changes at QB.  I know coaches are full of double speak, and maybe he looked at the tape and just couldnt justify sticking with him, but this undermines your word.  Ask Jon Gruden.