Did Chad Bite Off More Than He Can Chew?

[redsfan30]

Monday, December 5, 2005
Johnson: We'll play Indy again ... and win

Enquirer staff reports

Chad Johnson said Monday he thinks the Bengals and Indianapolis will meet in the AFC Championship game, and that this time, the outcome will be different.

Asked about the Bengals defense by ESPN’s Dan Patrick, Johnson said he expects that unit to carry the Bengals to the Super Bowl.

“They’re going to carry us,” Johnson told Patrick. “They’re going to carry us, because we’re going to put up the points … we’re going to score 40 a game from here on out. We’re going to score 40 a game from here on out, and there is not another team that is going to shoot it out with us until we get to the AFC Championship game, and you already know who we’re going to be playing.”

Patrick responded: “You’re playing the Colts in Indy.”

“In Indy,” Johnson said. “And the second go-round, I guarantee we win.”

Johnson later told Patrick he had a feeling after the Bengals lost to the Colts 45-37 on Nov. 20 that the teams would meet again.

“That game (an AFC title game against the Colts) is going to be a shootout,” Johnson said.

“In order to beat em, we’re going to have to put up 40, if we want to be realistic about it. We will see Indianapolis again. I felt that way when we lost the first time … I could feel it: We’re going to have to play them again. And I think this next time I’m saying it’s going to be a better outcome in our favor.”

In the interview, Johnson also said he would vote for quarterback Carson Palmer as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player.

“I’d give it to Carson,” Johnson said. “To take this team from the bottom to the top, to where we are right now… it’s only his second year, and to have us in the position we’re in right now as our leader, I’d give it to Carson.”

While I agree that it's going to be tough to stop the Bengals offense come playoff time, should he have said this? It's one thing to guarentee a victory against Houston in the regular season but to guarentee a trip to the Super Bowl? He's really going out on a limb here.

Believe me, I sure as heck hope he's right. But I'm alittle on the fence as to these comments.

[ochre]

Let him have the attention. He wants to be the one that takes all the heat. In his own way, that's leadership. Not that I would do it, or even really agree with that type of behavior. He's seen what happens when he doesn't back his mouth up (Jacksonville), so he knows the consequences. I suppose where it will be decided, is how the Defense reacts. Of course, its a no lose situation for Johnson. Nobody really expects the Bengals to go far in the playoffs anyway. If they make it to the AFC finals I doubt anyone will mind too much one way or the other.

[KronoRed]

The bengals won't win a shoot out with the colts, Chad better find a D for his team first

[StillFunkyB]

At this point, I have no beef with what Chad Johnson says or does.

If he wants to put the heat on himself, that is fine with me, so long as he himself doesn't lose focus, or even worse cause a major distraction.

[GAC]

He said no one would stop him this past Sunday too. 5 receptions for 54 yds is not exactly tearing it up.

I think he's a manic depressive who simply likes the attention.

But when you look at their remaining schedule, saying they are going to score 40 pts a game doesn't take a Nostradamus to make that prediction.

But when it comes to facing Indy - saying what he said is simply locker room fodder for the other team. I'm sure Indy is amused with the likes of a Chad Johnson.

I hope his prediction comes true. I would love to see Cincy in the Super Bowl, while also seeing Indy faulter. Anything is possible.

But I'm also a realist.... and Cincy's defense is atrocious. And in a shootout with Indy, my money is on Manning over Palmer. That is not a knock on Carson. Its just that he not at the level of a Manning just yet.

[Caveat Emperor]

But when it comes to facing Indy - saying what he said is simply locker room fodder for the other team. I'm sure Indy is amused with the likes of a Chad Johnson.

I stand by whatever coach it was that first said "If a player needs a quote on the bulletin board to get them fired up, they don't have a place on this team."

[Cedric]

He said no one would stop him this past Sunday too. 5 receptions for 54 yds is not exactly tearing it up.

I think he's a manic depressive who simply likes the attention.

But when you look at their remaining schedule, saying they are going to score 40 pts a game doesn't take a Nostradamus to make that prediction.

But when it comes to facing Indy - saying what he said is simply locker room fodder for the other team. I'm sure Indy is amused with the likes of a Chad Johnson.

I hope his prediction comes true. I would love to see Cincy in the Super Bowl, while also seeing Indy faulter. Anything is possible.

But I'm also a realist.... and Cincy's defense is atrocious. And in a shootout with Indy, my money is on Manning over Palmer. That is not a knock on Carson. Its just that he not at the level of a Manning just yet.

Why? Same numbers and at least Carson has won a big game in his life. Peyton is not a better qb than Carson Palmer.

[Caveat Emperor]

Why? Same numbers and at least Carson has won a big game in his life. Peyton is not a better qb than Carson Palmer.

Carson Palmer is a good quarterback -- improving weekly. Peyton Manning is on another planet.

Manning does more each week on the field than any other QB. He reads defenses better, he adjusts plays at the line better, and he makes smarter decisions with the ball. The way he moves an offense up and down the field, calling out routes, shifting pass protections, audibling away from plays based on what he reads the defense as doing...it's all a thing of beauty to watch.

I don't see nearly the same level of refinement and sophistication in the way Palmer runs the Bengals offense. Maybe he gets there someday, but he is definately not there yet.

[Fil3232]

Carson Palmer is a good quarterback -- improving weekly. Peyton Manning is on another planet.

Manning does more each week on the field than any other QB. He reads defenses better, he adjusts plays at the line better, and he makes smarter decisions with the ball. The way he moves an offense up and down the field, calling out routes, shifting pass protections, audibling away from plays based on what he reads the defense as doing...it's all a thing of beauty to watch.

I don't see nearly the same level of refinement and sophistication in the way Palmer runs the Bengals offense. Maybe he gets there someday, but he is definately not there yet.

I got to agree with Cedric. I'm not sure you can clearly put Peyton above Palmer. In fact, if I'm starting a franchise I would take Palmer #1 without hesitation. He's got special written all over him.

[Steve4192]

He said no one would stop him this past Sunday too. 5 receptions for 54 yds is not exactly tearing it up.

Did you see the coverages the Steelers were using?

Chad and his gigantic pie-hole were a major reason why Chris Henry, TJ Houshmandzadeh, and Reggie Kelly were open. Pittsburgh was rolling their coverage Chad's way all day long and Carson burned 'em repeatedly by going the other way. That's the major reason we didn't hear Troy Polamalu's name called until the 4th quarter.

As Marvin would say ... Chad did his job.

[OldRightHander]

That's the major reason we didn't hear Troy Polamalu's name called until the 4th quarter.

And one of the times we heard his name was when Rudi laid him out on the way into the end zone.

[Tony Cloninger]

Chris Henry...IMO....has Randy Moss type ability.....hopefully without some of the attitude....although RM is not nearly as bad as TO is.

[GAC]

Did you see the coverages the Steelers were using?

That's not the point. He said NODODY can stop him.

Chad and his gigantic pie-hole were a major reason why Chris Henry, TJ Houshmandzadeh, and Reggie Kelly were open.

No one is denying that. That is the obvious. And you don't think opposing teams also don't realize this - that dbl covering CJ is gonna leave other guys open? C'mon. It's not like CJ is pulling the wool over opposing team's defensive coordinator's eyes by making these statements.

But to come out and guarantee that their team is gonna WIN the Super Bowl this year is a pretty bold (and IMO, stupid) prediction, that not only reflects on CJ, but also the entire Bengals team.

The guy likes to run his mouth. I find that alot of the times, the stuff his says doesn't come true. It's a hit n miss thing with him.

Cincy should have an easy time this weekend with Cleveland. But I've noticed Chad hasn't come out and said much after what happened last year.

The Bengals have a talented enough team that they don't need Chad Johnson's mouth to lead them to victory. His hands - yes.

[Cedric]

That's not the point. He said NODODY can stop him.



No one is denying that. That is the obvious. And you don't think opposing teams also don't realize this - that dbl covering CJ is gonna leave other guys open? C'mon. It's not like CJ is pulling the wool over opposing team's defensive coordinator's eyes by making these statements.

But to come out and guarantee that their team is gonna be in the Super Bowl this year is a pretty bold (and IMO, stupid) prediction, that not only reflects on CJ, but also the entire Bengals team.

The guy likes to run his mouth. I find that alot of the times, the stuff his says doesn't come true. It's a hit n miss thing with him.

Cincy should have an easy time this weekend with Cleveland. But I've noticed Chad hasn't come out and said much after what happened last year.

The Bengals have a talented enough team that they don't need Chad Johnson's mouth to lead them to victory. His hands - yes.

You might be mistaken if you don't think it affects the play of opposing db's and how they worry more about Chad because of wanting to show him up. Mental head games are a key part of football.

[GAC]

You might be mistaken if you don't think it affects the play of opposing db's and how they worry more about Chad because of wanting to show him up. Mental head games are a key part of football.

Sure -there's a mental aspect to the game. But DB's of any worth/talent know what that aspect of the game is all about and don't let it bother them, or get into their head. Especially when the same guy is coming out every week and saying the same thing over and over. It kinda wears thin IMO with the opposing DB's who start to laugh/shrug it off.

Johnson is a very talented receiver. I've stated that over and over. I just don't care much for any player, on either side of the ball (it's not about CJ pesonally) who loves to run their mouths and be the center of attention.

IMO, it all started with guys like Deion Sanders. Very talented -I just didn't care for his antics.

I really like TJ. Some would say that CJ has made TJ a better receiver. I say that can go both ways. When TJ wasn't in there (injured), it wasn't so easy going for Johnson. They need each other. And then there is Chris Henry.