TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that second-year pro and former USD Torero star Josh Johnson will start on Sunday at Washington. Rookie Josh Freeman moves up to No. 2 on the depth chart and Byron Leftwich will be the third quarterback.

Coach Raheem Morris made the announcement a day after the Bucs fell to 0-3 while gaining just 86 yards total offense in a 24-0 loss to the New York Giants. Leftwich completed 7 of 16 passes for 22 yards and one interception. Morris said he feels Johnson has earned a chance to start against the Redskins.

Leftwich was replaced in the fourth quarter after going just 7-of-16 for 22 yards and one interception. Johnson played one fourth-quarter series, completing 4 of 10 passes for 36 yards and leading a drive that stalled on downs at New York's 5-yard line. He also finished as Tampa Bay's leading rusher, scrambling for a 15-yard gain on his only attempt, but the Bucs couldn't avoid being shut out for the first time since losing their 2006 season opener 27-0 to Baltimore.

Johnson, who has the advantage of an added year of NFL experience over Freeman, has made impressive strides during his first full offseason this past spring and summer. A fifth-round draft pick out of San Diego in 2008, Johnson made the 53-man roster as a rookie but was inactive for every game. As a collegian in the FCS subdivision, he put up enormous numbers, including an NCAA FCS career record passing efficiency of 176.68. Johnson also ran for 1,864 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Toreros. As a senior, Johnson posted an incredible 43-1 touchdown-interception ratio while also rushing for 726 yards.