Champ Bailey and Chad Johnson: Best Matchup of the Year?

It can't be true - but the words coming out of Chad Johnson's mouth seem to indicate that the league's leading receiver might have some respect for the league's best cornerback. Then again, it could just be a trap. The one thing we do know for sure is that Sunday's game between the Broncos and the Bengals is going to feature one of the most exciting one-on-one matchups of the year between Ocho Cinco and Champ Bailey.

Last time the two met, Johnson torched Bailey, snatching 149 yards and one TD. You can bet Champ remembers it, and this time he'll be pumped to stop Johnson in his tracks. So who has the edge? It depends more on the Broncos offense than anything. We know that the Bengals will go to Johnson regardless of who's covering him - but the Broncos pass defense, which is arguably their strongest unit, gets worse as the game goes on and they get tired out and go to their zone coverage. If the offense stays on the field long enough, the defense might be able to deal with Cincinatti's dynamic passing game - and Champ, for his part, should be able to cover Johnson if the Broncos let him stay in man coverage (he's covered everyone else effectively). If they don't, it usually means the other team's offense is rolling, which in this case could be very bad for the Broncos.

Actually, I'm more concerned about Darrent Williams (who should be healthy again) covering T.J. Houshmandzadeh on the other side. Williams was burned by Reggie Wayne when the Colts rolled into town, while Champ Bailey kept Marvin Harrison fairly silent. Regardless, the Bailey/Johnson matchup is going to be one of the most intriguing of the year - and if Bailey does shut down 85, it'll be interesting to see if the Bengals keep their promise by trying to force the ball to Johnson, or risk pissing him off by exploiting Darrent Williams on the other side with Houshmandzadeh. I guess we'll find out.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-21-2006 @ 5:43PM

Dave Fedell said...

Regarding Denver's defense, it seems reasonable that as long as the defense keeps focused and keeps in shape for the very most physical challanges, Denver
can do whatever it takes to win. In general, top physical conditioning needs to be a constant priority on and off the field. Always be in 2x, better shape than your opponent.

12-23-2006 @ 7:08PM

david said...

Champ is gonna shut down chad, he's gonna jump, flip, skip, and rumble into the endzone on 3 returns for touchdowns. He will prove why he's the best and is this years defensive player of the year

12-23-2006 @ 7:13PM

Gabe Stein said...

Amen to that.

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