Johnson Saves the Buccaneers

With the game--and maybe Tampa Bay’s season--on the line, Keyshawn Johnson demanded the Buccaneers put matters into his hands.

The NFL’s receptions leader approached Coach Tony Dungy, then spoke with offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen before Tampa Bay got the ball for the last time against winless Detroit on Sunday.

“I said: ‘It’s about time you get me the football.... Lose with me or win with me,” Johnson said after he leaped above cornerback Jimmy Wyrick to catch a 13-yard touchdown pass with 45 seconds remaining as the Buccaneers rallied for a 15-12 victory. The result left the winless Lions with another heartbreaking loss as they try to avoid becoming the first NFL team to go 0-16.

Johnson had 10 receptions for 101 yards. He had four for 59 yards on the game-winning drive, including a 15-yarder on fourth-and-eight to keep the march alive at the Detroit 13.

The two-time Pro Bowl receiver spent the first four seasons of his career with the New York Jets, who routinely threw to him in the end zone and when games were on the line.

His final catch Sunday gave him 93 this year, a career high, but it was his first touchdown.

Johnson said he never had a problem with asking for the ball when he was in high school, college or with the Jets. But he had been reluctant to do it with Dungy.

“I think a lot of it had to do with his demeanor as a head coach and the respect that I have for him,” Johnson said. “Although I do respect the other guys, it’s just a different approach.”

It was the third straight win for Tampa Bay heading into a tough stretch in which the Buccaneers (7-5) will face Chicago, New Orleans, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Detroit (0-12) took a 12-7 lead on Jason Hanson’s fourth field goal with 11:43 remaining, but couldn’t hold on, taking a sack late in the game that put them out of field goal range.

The Lions have lost their last nine games by an average of less than five points.