Brad Johnson has endured quarterback competitions throughout his career. So, he's not only skilled, he's emotionally and mentally tough -- which is exactly what Jon Gruden was looking for.

When Gruden arrived in Tampa, his intrigue with Rob Johnson was no secret. Everyone has always been intrigued by Rob, because he's fast and has a good arm. But even during preseason, I knew there was no way Rob would beat out Brad for the starting position. A former teammate of mine, I knew Brad's toughness and intelligence would win out.

Despite, the media and people surrounding him saying that Rob was going to be "the guy," Brad didn't allow outside influences to interfere with his progress. He had been through it before. And whenever you can stay on course, you have a shot.

Brad methodically takes care of business. He isn't flashy; he's consistent. Brad doesn't have ups and downs like other quarterbacks.

A student of the game, Brad has been a part of several different offenses. He learned each system quickly because he prepares -- that's three-quarters of the battle. He understands Gruden's demands and accepts the emphasis placed on him. When a quarterback knows what he's doing, he always has a chance.

Brad is also physically tough. I was at Tampa's Week 7 loss to Philadelphia. I watched Brad take a beating. Sacked five times, Brad's ribs were badly bruised, and yet he kept coming back. Ultimately, he was pulled in the fourth quarter because of the injury, but he refused to quit.

His accuracy and timing are imperative to the West Coast offense. Brad should be in the Pro Bowl. And he should have at least garnered some MVP votes for his performance this season.

Accurate, smart, prepared, focused -- we talk a lot about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 1 defense, and rightfully so, but if the Bucs advance to the Super Bowl, it will be because of Brad Johnson.

Sean Salisbury is an NFL analyst for ESPN.