rockbottom895
Footballguy
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_4876621
Chad Johnson - he of the cornerback burn checklist and sent stomach medicine - is trying a new approach this week.
Respect for his opponent.
Is the golden-toothed, master-touchdown celebrator toning it down because of the holidays? Is Chad Johnson actually trying to conform? Nah, it's Champ Bailey week. Even Chad Johnson knows better than to push his luck.
"There's two kinds of corners in the NFL," the Bengals' receiver said in a conference call with Denver media Wednesday. "Regular corners play not to get beat. Then you have Champ Bailey, who plays to make a play. Period. He's in a class of his own. Deion Sanders played the game to make a play. Everyone else plays the game not to get beat. Remember that quote."
Johnson was just getting started. The two will square off Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High as the Broncos and Bengals, both 8-6, try to take a major step toward securing an AFC wild-card playoff spot. The game could turn on the matchup of the two all-pro players. Johnson didn't practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury but he is listed as probable and expected to play Sunday.
Listening to the suddenly humbled Johnson one would think he has no chance against Bailey.
"Big, big, much respect to Champ," Johnson said. "He's the best man to ever wear a uniform, period. Besides Deion (Sanders). He's consistent, year in and year out. Name another defensive back in the NFL who is consistent year in and year out. Please. Year in and year out. Not two years in the league. Year in and year out."
It was suggested to Bailey that Johnson, known for trying to play mind games, might be trying to set him up.
"I know," Bailey said. "It seems like he's trying to hype me up."
Bailey's teammates laughed when they were told how Johnson praised Bailey. They are used to hearing Johnson talk crazy. This is the same guy who last month said he was going to give physical abuse to Baltimore middle linebacker Ray Lewis.
"If Chad is saying that facetiously, the joke is on him because Champ is the best," Denver defensive back Domonique Foxworth said.
In October 2004, Bailey's first season in Denver, Johnson had seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos. On Wednesday, Johnson said his success that night was lucky.
Bailey admits he had a bad game, but said Wednesday that he is a much better player now.
"It's not even close," Bailey said. "I'm much more aware now, and as I've been in the league more. I work on the details more. Every little detail is important to me to know.
"Two years ago, it was my first season here, my first season in a new system. I'm much more comfortable now."
Johnson said preparation is the only way to have a chance at success against Bailey, whom he considers a friend and would like to go out to dinner with this weekend before the game.
Johnson said he has begun to watch film of every play Bailey has participated in this season. Bailey has eight interceptions this season though he estimates only 40 passes have been thrown his way in 14 games.
"Every pass picked off, knocked down, every pass caught against since Week 1, I'm studying him to a T and trying to find a way to get it done," Johnson said.
So, Chad, how does the Bailey tape look?
"Good," Johnson said. "Very good."
Has there been any history of Champ ever doing this?
Chad Johnson - he of the cornerback burn checklist and sent stomach medicine - is trying a new approach this week.
Respect for his opponent.
Is the golden-toothed, master-touchdown celebrator toning it down because of the holidays? Is Chad Johnson actually trying to conform? Nah, it's Champ Bailey week. Even Chad Johnson knows better than to push his luck.
"There's two kinds of corners in the NFL," the Bengals' receiver said in a conference call with Denver media Wednesday. "Regular corners play not to get beat. Then you have Champ Bailey, who plays to make a play. Period. He's in a class of his own. Deion Sanders played the game to make a play. Everyone else plays the game not to get beat. Remember that quote."
Johnson was just getting started. The two will square off Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High as the Broncos and Bengals, both 8-6, try to take a major step toward securing an AFC wild-card playoff spot. The game could turn on the matchup of the two all-pro players. Johnson didn't practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury but he is listed as probable and expected to play Sunday.
Listening to the suddenly humbled Johnson one would think he has no chance against Bailey.
"Big, big, much respect to Champ," Johnson said. "He's the best man to ever wear a uniform, period. Besides Deion (Sanders). He's consistent, year in and year out. Name another defensive back in the NFL who is consistent year in and year out. Please. Year in and year out. Not two years in the league. Year in and year out."
It was suggested to Bailey that Johnson, known for trying to play mind games, might be trying to set him up.
"I know," Bailey said. "It seems like he's trying to hype me up."
Bailey's teammates laughed when they were told how Johnson praised Bailey. They are used to hearing Johnson talk crazy. This is the same guy who last month said he was going to give physical abuse to Baltimore middle linebacker Ray Lewis.
"If Chad is saying that facetiously, the joke is on him because Champ is the best," Denver defensive back Domonique Foxworth said.
In October 2004, Bailey's first season in Denver, Johnson had seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos. On Wednesday, Johnson said his success that night was lucky.
Bailey admits he had a bad game, but said Wednesday that he is a much better player now.
"It's not even close," Bailey said. "I'm much more aware now, and as I've been in the league more. I work on the details more. Every little detail is important to me to know.
"Two years ago, it was my first season here, my first season in a new system. I'm much more comfortable now."
Johnson said preparation is the only way to have a chance at success against Bailey, whom he considers a friend and would like to go out to dinner with this weekend before the game.
Johnson said he has begun to watch film of every play Bailey has participated in this season. Bailey has eight interceptions this season though he estimates only 40 passes have been thrown his way in 14 games.
"Every pass picked off, knocked down, every pass caught against since Week 1, I'm studying him to a T and trying to find a way to get it done," Johnson said.
So, Chad, how does the Bailey tape look?
"Good," Johnson said. "Very good."
Has there been any history of Champ ever doing this?
