Week 1 QB projections   •  TB Stats

QB Josh Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HT: 6-2, WT: 213, Born: 5-15-1986, College: San Diego, Drafted: Round 5

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Stats and Week 1 Projection

WK	OPP	RES	CMP	ATT	PYD	Y/A	PTD	INT	RSH	YD	Y/R	TD	FPT

Week 1 Injury Status and Other News

He was not listed on Friday's official injury report.

Week 1 Matchup Info

at New Orleans Saints (Tough matchup) - Jeff Garcia missed a lot of time in training camp due to a calf injury and watched as the team pursued Brett Favre as his replacement. However, he's survived both threats to lead an NFL team for another campaign - right now, there are some big question marks around this unit, though. Garcia managed to play in the 3rd preseason game but was obviously rusty (11/18 for 79 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions). Joey Galloway nursed a groin injury throughout training camp and preseason, allowing Antonio Bryant to make a case for sticking with the team. For now, Galloway remains the #1 WR (though he hasn't worked with Garcia much at all). Michael Clayton has a tenuous hold on the #2 WR position, with Bryant waiting in the wings. Alex Smith is the #1 TE - Ben Troupe hasn't made a move to earn playing time since landing with the team.

The Saints were 30th in the league last year in passing yards allowed per game (an average of 245.3), and gave up 32 passing TDs last year (dead last). They were middlin' when it came to generating sacks, with 32 to their credit as a team (Tampa handed over 36 sacks last season, also in the middle of the NFL range in that category). Carson Palmer felt the heat in the 3rd exhibition game, though, taking 3 of 4 sacks generated by the Saints (he got his nose broken in the game) as Cincy was shut out on the scoreboard and only tossed 21/32 for 127 net yards passing (and 1 interception). Entering 2008, the Saints appear to have improved their pass D.

Tampa is working through some issues entering week 1, while their division rivals look like they are in mid-season form. The additional advantage of playing in the Superdome tilts this game in favor of New Orleans.