Chad vs. Champ: Bailey Comes Out On Top

It was the most talked about matchup of the day: recently named pro-bowler Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson against recently named pro-bowler Champ Bailey. Even though it wasn't Bailey's best game of the season, he "won" the contest, and it's not even close.

That said, I need to qualify my statement. Chad Johnson did find openings in the defense - enough that had the Bengals offense been able to execute, he would have probably been declared the winner. But as it stands, Chad finished the game with three receptions for just 32 yards. And in a defining moment when the Bengals chose to test Champ Bailey one-on-one by forcing the ball to Johnson, Bailey jumped the ball and recorded his eighth interception of the year.

As I said before, Johnson did get open - but only when the Broncos were playing in zone coverage or when the Bengals ran out of tricky formations to isolate Johnson against a different defensive back. After the interception, the Bengals didn't really test Champ again, and the stats speak for themselves: only three catches on the day for Ocho Cinco.

I think Bailey's performance in this matchup makes a pretty good case for Champ as the NFL defensive player of the year. No one else shuts receivers down, makes the interceptions, and still tackles as well (6 against the Bengals) as Champ Bailey.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-24-2006 @ 9:46PM

George B Vieto said...

Champ Bailey did to Chad Johnson what few if any defensive backs could do. Beat Chad Johnson and make him eat his words of being invincible.

12-25-2006 @ 12:10PM

JAB said...

Eat his words? What words? That he (chad) considers Baily the best corner in the league? I can see why that would anger Baily and make him want to make Chad eat his words. Do you just dream this stuff up or are do the real facts not make for as good a posting? Gracioius winners Denver is not (apparently). Not even when they got a "gift" win. Denver fans could sure take a lesson or two from Patriot fans on class and sportsmenship. Thank god the actual players have some class and its not the fans out there on the field, driveling this kind of crap from their pie-hole.

12-30-2006 @ 11:03PM

rob said...

I'm a Denver fan and think Chad is a great receiver. I don't think Champ made him eat any words because Chad publicly has come out and talked about what a great corner back he thinks Bailey is...the best in the leauge in fact. Denver fans are VERY gracious winners (and losers) for the most part. Our fans are typically conservative and good sports. DONT assume that Vietos comments are typical.

I think if Bailey didn't get the Defensive MVP award this year it would be a travesty. He is the greatest DB in the history of the NFL in my opinion. I agree with most of the receivers that talk about Bailey: the guys talent is out of this world.