Gameplan vs. Titans: Shut down RB Chris Johnson

By TERESA M. WALKER
AP Sports Writer

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson's No. 28 might as well be a glowing red bull's eye — at least to defenses.

No NFL defense wants to be gashed by the last player to run for 2,000 yards in a season, and beating Tennessee starts — and stops — with slowing down the speedy Johnson.

It's working so far this season too. The Titans (2-2) have won each of the two games where Johnson ran for more than 100 yards, and both losses came when defenses held him under that mark.

The Dallas Cowboys (1-2) get their turn next on Sunday, and linebacker Keith Brooking says Johnson is the man they must stop for a simple reason: The running back can score anytime he touches the ball.

"We talk all the time about everybody being where they're supposed to be," Brooking said.

"If you got one guy who is not doing what they're supposed to do, a guy like that will absolutely crease you and he's out the gate. When he gets out in the open ... we've got some good athletes in our defense, but there's nobody that's going to catch him."

Johnson likely made himself an even bigger target for defenses when he proclaimed his goals for 2010 included not only topping Eric Dickerson's NFL single season rushing mark of 2,105 yards but 2,500, a number more easily reached by quarterbacks.

Just like the last half of 2009 as Johnson ran for 2,006 yards, defenses through the first four games stacked eight and nine players near the line of scrimmage to contain him. Denver linebacker Robert Ayers said the Broncos keyed on Johnson in their 26-20 win last week with outside linebackers blitzing to keep him contained.

They held him to 53 yards on 19 carries.

"We knew if we could slow him down that it would be good things to happen to us," Ayers said.

Fullback Ahmard Hall said that's what the Titans will keep seeing from defenses year in and year out as long as they have Johnson.

"He knows everybody's keying on him," Hall said. "He has a big target on his back being the best back in the league. It's just going to take patience, and eventually we're going to get it done."

Titans coach Jeff Fisher said defenses aren't necessarily scheming up any new approaches to stop Johnson.

"We're getting a little more edges. We played two odd fronts, 3-4 fronts. You know with the big linebackers up there it's hard to get the ball bounced outside. It will come, I have confidence in our offensive players and our backs and our staff that we'll get it turned around. We still ran for 122 yards," Fisher said.

Brooking noticed six or seven Broncos around the ball at all times last week, and pride is involved.

"Us 11 guys, we're not going to let this guy get out of the gate and off to the races, to beat us on one play."

Dallas coach Wade Phillips also is reminding his Cowboys about making sure to take the right angle if Johnson breaks loose.

"He can change direction really well too for a guy that runs that's fast," Phillips said. "Normally really fast guys run like a track guy where it's one foot in front of the other rather than being able to move from side to side. He runs with his feet a little wider than a normal real fast guy and that enables him to cut faster."

The Associated Press' 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year dashed to a 76-yard touchdown in Tennessee's opening win over Oakland, but the Raiders held him to 66 yards on his other 26 carries. A holding penalty erased an 85-yard TD in a 19-11 loss to the Steelers as they limited Johnson to 34 yards on the 16 runs that counted.

He broke loose for 42 yards in a road win in Week 3. But again, the Giants bottled him up with 83 yards on his 31 other rushing attempts.

The Titans aren't backing down either. This is the franchise that runs more per game on average than anyone else in the NFL since 2006.

All that attention is taking a toll. Tennessee now ranks ninth in the NFL averaging 133.3 yards per game after being second in the league last season, and Johnson, the NFL rushing leader over the past two years, now ranks sixth with 354 yards.

Johnson is starting to sound a bit frustrated too, especially after the loss to the Broncos when his longest run was 8 yards, a distance that seems normal for him. He talked of looking for daylight with so many defenders boxing him in.

"We've got to improve. We've got to improve everywhere," Johnson said. "I feel like there's things in the running game we can get better. ... This team's a running team, so they know we're going to run the ball."

The Tennessean is tracking Johnson's pace toward that 2,500 goal on its website. Johnson insists he's not counting himself.

"I just go in the game trying to get a victory and hopefully when I look up (I'll be) close to that goal," Johnson said.

___
AP Sports Writer Jaime Aron contributed to this report from Irving, Texas.

Beware Cowboys After Bye Week in Wade Phillips Era

By JAIME ARON
AP Pro Football Writer

The Dallas Cowboys are back from their bye week, still in the thick of things.

The Cowboys put themselves at risk of getting left behind by losing their first two games. Yet when they returned to work Monday, their 1-2 record left them only a half-game behind everyone else in the NFC East and 1 1/2 games behind the best record in the NFC.

Any team could seize control over the next month, and the Cowboys are set up as well as anyone.

Their next four games are against teams at or below .500. Three are at home, starting Sunday against Tennessee (2-2).

Plus, there's this tidbit: Dallas has won at least three straight games coming out of its bye every season under coach Wade Phillips.

Dallas Cowboys (1-2) vs. Tennessee Titans (2-2)

The Cowboys Rank 19th in the NFL on Power Rankings. If the Cowboys are to win more games, then the trio of Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice need to run the ball better. If they don't, expect Romo's passing rating to fall, as he will start giving up more interceptions.

Cowboys Injury Report:
Tight end Jason Witten (knee) did not practice during the bye week, but did practice on Monday and should fully participate this week. Witten suffered a knee sprain two weeks ago against the Texans.

Lineman Kyle Kosier (knee) also went down against the Texans with a knee sprain, but last week coach Wade Phillips said that Kosier was "iffy" as far as playing this week. However Kosier was at the media portion of Monday's practice and said that he would fully participate this week and play.

Wide Receiver Dez Bryant (hip, ribs) was another Cowboy who didn't practice, dealing with hip and rib injuries, but is expected to practice on Wednesday and play this week. Bryant has played through his injuries, which include a stress fracture in his ribs and a bruised hip.

Linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring) practiced last Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to fully participate in practice this week. If he is able to practice with no pain to his hamstring then he will play this week.

Martellus Bennett (ankle), Mike Jenkins (knee) and Sam Hurd (hip) all are expected to practice and play this week as well.

From one report:
Chicago VS. Carolina
The Bears weren't as good as their 3-0 record, and now they're 3-1 and minus Jay Cutler.

The Panthers are trying to build some consistency behind rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, but the Panthers rank dead last in the league in points scored and 30th in total yards.

The Bears still are tough beat up to win this week, though.

Their prediction: Panthers 18, Bears 10

My Prediction: Bears 12, Panthers 6 (a boring, all field goal game)


Also, their thoughts on the Cowboys:
Dallas is 1-2 after the bye week with a victory over the Houston Texans. The Titans are 2-2 after a close loss to the Denver Broncos.

The Cowboys haven't looked right this season, with confusion on the sidelines and coaching mistakes bringing the team down.

A bye week should help the Cowboys fix a lot of the mistakes but the Titans are no pushover, and Jeff Fisher is not going to just roll over and let his team fall under .500 again.

However, Vince Young hasn't exactly lit the place up so far this season and it will be the Titans' 27th ranked offense versus the Cowboys eighth ranked defense.

Sorry, Jeff.

Their Prediction: Cowboys 31, Titans 17
Now... my thoughts. Teams coming off a bye week almost always play better than before the bye. That alone should say the Cowboys are going to win this one, which is my thoughts period. If the Cowboys can change two things they have had trouble with thus far this season, being the running game stinking like a septic tank and having penalties KILL them, really, just changing one of those two things would be reason for celebration. If they change both of those things, then they dominate. Period. The Cowboys defense will control the Titans offense. I don't see them scoring 17 points. I also don't see the Cowboys scoring 31. I think it will be a lower scoring game easily.

My Prediction: Cowboys 20, Titans 13

Top 10 Athletes' Beers To Be Made

By Ross Lipschultz

What’s the number one sports drink in the world?

Gatorade? Yeah, right.

Powerade? Think again.

Vitamin Water? Not even close.

The real man’s answer? Beer.

That’s right, those frosty cool suds are what makes sports go round. Sports fans everywhere guzzle down beer like it’s coming from their mother’s teet.

Which would make her the world’s best mom.

But after a Cleveland Brewery released a LeBron James inspired brew recently, the sports world had a new marketing method. Thirty gallons of the beer, appropriately named “Quitness,” sold out in three hours during it’s original release.

The inspiration, however, was not a good thing. “Quitness” is a dry-hopped pale ale with a notably bitter aftertaste, which parallels the feeling of Cav's fans everywhere.

Imagine the drink they’d make if the Browns left again.

Beer is such a profitable market in sports, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if more athletes got a cool one named after them.

Whether out of admiration or spite, some stars just deserve it more than others.

Guess who they are!

10. Manny Ramirez

The Name: Manny Being Drunky

Whether you love him or hate him, everyone knows Manny Ramirez is one of the better hitters of the past decade.

However, he only plays every once in a while as of late, so he’s not exactly reliable year round.

Can you say “Holiday Beer?”

Manny’s brew would only be available during the months of the year he decides to play. It could be one, it could be the whole season.

Who doesn’t love surprises?

Low on hops due to his lackluster speed, the MBD has a grainy and oxidized taste due to his overexposure during aging.

Fans might call it yeasty as well, considering the beer has definitely been sitting too long on sediment.

Sounds like Manny to me.

9. Venus and Serena Williams

The Name: Shwasted Sisters

Venus and Serena have been on top of the tennis world for quite some time.

Frankly, having so many good genes in one family is just so unfair.

So why not spread the love, and bottle some greatness?

Just like the ladies, the beer would have a full body with a shelf-life for ages.

However, Serena’s would have a sweet finish, while Venus’ would be sour, making going halfsies on each with a friend a perfect way to spend a summer day.

And for a limited time only, when you twist off the top, the beer grunts at you.

8. Helio Castroneves

The Name: Speed Brewer

The only way to make Helio Castroneves look tall is to take a picture at this very angle.

And ask him to leave his part-time job as a Smurf chauffeur.

So he’s a perfect sponsor for a light beer!

The driver’s wheat beer would be perfect for taste buds all over.

He’s pale in color, and so is his beverage of choice. His tongue is acidic, and so is his brew.

Sadly, the nose of the beer would not be so pleasant, so it’s only for Helio die-hards.

When he gets out of his car, his head smells like a used diaper full of Thai food, so his beer will have an equally dank scent.

But it sure has plenty of hops!

7. Lou Pinella

The Name: Ol’ Reliable

Maybe Lou’s not an athlete anymore, as walking to the mound requires him to grab an oxygen tank.

Back in the day, he was quite the ball player, so his beer is going to reflect all of his achievements.

First off, it only comes in a keg, which makes it perfect for parties.

The hang of the drink is notoriously harsh, which is required for anyone who wants to be just like Lou.

Although, I’m sure that list shortened after his time with the Cubs.

Second, this beer would be an India Pale Ale due to it’s high level of hops.

Since hopping and screaming at umps are all Lou can do lately, his astringent ale will have you puckering your scowl at any one who dares take a sip.

6. Dirk Nowitzki

The Name: Ich Bin Ein Tasty

Seriously, it’s unbelievable he doesn’t have a beer to his name already. The Western hemisphere may drink less than Dirk’s homeland.

So this one’s getting heavy.

Nowitzki’s lager will have you face down on a floor somewhere in no time.

While it will go down silky smooth like his jumper, the beer’s, as well as Dirk’s, lack of hops will leave a tangy impression in the mouth.

Why? Because just like Dirk’s Mavericks, it can never be perfect.

The beer, however, will look just like any top of the line ale, and it’s crisp, golden color matches its inspiration’s locks.

5. Chris Johnson

The Name: Dreads’ Delight

Chris Johnson is smooth, fast, light on his feet and oh so sassy with the press.

Now, you can get all that in your beer for free!

As long as you follow him on Twitter.

Vitamin C.J. gets his own black malt, and he couldn’t be happier. The creamy concoction out of Tennessee has the brightness of a black hole, but unquestionable sweetness due to its mash.

Also, he will hand deliver it to you, since it takes him under 10 seconds to run anywhere on Earth.

The beer also comes in a gold bottle, which Johnson hand-crafted himself. He has experience building shiny teeth and he decided to take his talents into brewery.

At least he didn’t take them to South Beach.

4. Charles Barkley

The Name: Turrible Trasendence

If Barkley is willing to support Taco Bell, a company that sells one thing in hundreds of shapes, there’s no way he’d turn down marketing his own beer.

And he wouldn’t have to share the spotlight with Lamar Odom!

Chuck’s brew would only come in cans, seeing as he was never the full size of most power forwards.

But his caramel bouquet would be ridiculously irresistible, despite its alcohol content guaranteeing that you pass out within an hour of consumption.

Well at least you’d slur your words. Like Barkley on TNT.

The one feature delight of the Round Mound’s ale is that the ester would range from fruity to spicy, covering his wide array of emotions.

It’s like a mood ring, but in a can!

3. John Daly

The Name: Public Enemy

John Daly is known for his unconventional behavior and clothing.

He loves a good cigar on the first tee, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he put it out on the tablecloth he decided to wear as pants.

That’s why Daly’s beer is only for the most refined palate.

Only true legends of drinking will appreciate this fruity malt liquor, just like only true golf fans will appreciate what Daly has done for the sport.

Everyone else wonders when he’s going to rehab.

The golfer’s ale would be known for it’s chill haze, which makes the beer cloudier than everything except Daly’s mind. The smell of the beer changes depending on the temperature going from clove-like to vinous.

Sadly, that part is unlike Daly’s golf game, which hasn’t adjusted in years.

2. Ben Roethlisberger

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has had his off the field issues with alcohol in the past.

Which makes him off limits for his own beer, right?

Wrong!

It’s time to get fratty!

Instead of being embarrassed of going after 20-year-olds, this beer is all about embracing it.

While the pale amber may appear light to the untrained babe, the heavy level of hops and barley make this bad boy thick.

Insert sexual pun here.

Sadly, it would be a limited time offer. Only alcohol providers within 15 miles of a college campus are allowed to sell it, and only during the games Big Ben plays this year.

You might think that’s bad, but this beer is one that people will flock to the stores just to wiff the bouquet.

The beer is so dry, it finishes sharp in the mouth, just like Roethlisberger.

What, too soon?

1. Ron Artest

The Name: Showtime Stopper

Some may think this is a hometown pick, but let’s be honest here.

Artest is so eccentric, if someone could manage to put all his qualities into a bottle, it would probably taste like heaven.

With a slight hint of Hennessey.

Ron-Ron’s beer would be a premium stout with caramel sugar, making the drink a dark brown hue, slightly burnt (like his reputation in Detroit), and with a full body.

No more poppin’ champagne after championships. It’s all about Stopper!

All Lakers fans over 21 will have a chance to get a free cup of the beverage after the game if L.A. holds its opponent to under 100 points.

It’s either that, or two tacos at Jack-In-The-Box.

But let’s not ignore this dream drinks’ flavor. With a perfect balance of a crisp, nutty and hoppy nose to its sweet, yet tart, bouquet, Artest’s beer will have you stocking your fridge in no time.

However, all purchases must be made while wearing a Lakers jersey. Even if your going to the club after, you must obey that rule.

Because we know Ron would.

Pacman Jones Gets 2nd Tryout With Bengals

By JOE KAY AP Sports Writer

Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones got a second look from the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, an indication that the team with a history of trying to rehabilitate troubled players might be considering its next project.

The Bengals hadn't made a formal contract proposal as of Tuesday evening, agent Tom Hunter told The Associated Press. Jones was in town for his second workout with the team this offseason.

Cincinnati is among a handful of teams that showed an interest in Jones, who was released by the Cowboys after the 2008 season and didn't play last year. Only 26 years old, Jones has seen his career bottom out because of his repeated arrests.

He was suspended for the entire 2007 season and for six games with the Cowboys in 2008 for violating the NFL's conduct policy.

Divisional Playoff Brackets

Divisional Games:

• Saturday: Baltimore at Tennessee (3:30 CST)
• Saturday: Arizona at Carolina (7:15 CST)
• Sunday: Philadelphia at NY Giants (Noon CST)
• Sunday: San Diego at Pittsburgh (3:45 CST)

Quickpicks? Baltimore, Carolina, Giants and Steelers.

Home Field

Game 11: Titans vs. Jets

This is when it is going to happen. The upset of the season. Although, I would have to say that after the Patriots went undefeated through the regular season last year, it just feels anticlimactic that the Titans are undefeated right now... it's really like I am pushing myself to care. Weird. I wonder if I am the only one who feels this way.

we all know that the Titans are not that good. Yes, they are undefeated, but they haven't had any really hard tests on the field. But, on this Sunday, they will face the Jets who are quarterbacked by Farve, and this could be the test I have been looking for. I have already stated in the previous post on the Titans that Farve will win this game for the Jets... but let's take a look at the numbers to see if they are in agreement.

(Once the Titans get beat, I will most likely stop posting their games...)

The Jets are 7-3 and have won their last four games. Tennessee is 10-0. The Game will be played at the Titans casa, and the gametime is noon if you live in the DFW area. I can't see this one not being played on regular television. If it isn't, that would be the dumbest network move in quite a while. The last time these two met, the Jets lost it 10-6. Look for a completely different score in this one.

Titans to Watch:

• Kerry Collins: 82 QB Rating; 160-271 (59%) for 1,755 yards, 8 TDs, and 4 Ints.
• Chris Johnson: 177 carries for 787 yards with 5 TDs.
• LenDale White: 122 carries for 470 yards with 11 TDs.
• Bo Scaife: 44 catches for 450 yards and 2 TDs.
• Justin Gage: 21 catches for 376 yards and 4 TDs.
• Chris Carr: 26 KR for 707 yards, 20 PR for 190 yards, and 1 Int.
• Cortland Finnegan: 49 tackles, one sack, 4 Ints (1 TD), and 15 deflections.
• Chris Hope: 54 tackles, one sack, 4 Ints, and 8 deflections.
• Michael Griffin: 49 tackles, one sack, 4 Ints, and 6 deflections.
• Albert Haynesworth: 39 tackles, 7 sacks.

Those are some very impressive numbers. What is really impressive is how I noticed there wasn't much in the department of turnovers. Kerry Collins doesn't fumble, has only 4 Ints, and the backs don't fumble the ball. Great ball protection leads to wins? It would appear that way.

Jets to Watch:

• Brett Farve: 93 QB Rating; 220-315 (69.8% - WOW) for 2,237 yards, 18 TDs, 12 Ints, with 2 fumbles lost.
• Thomas Jones: 190 carries for 854 yards with 9 TDs and one lost fumble.
• Jerricho Cotchery: 48 catches for 597 yards with 4 TDs and one lost fumble.
• Laveranues Coles: 46 catches for 525 yards with 5 TDs.
• Leon Washington: 30 catches for 226 yards and 2 TDs; 25 KR for 739 yards and 1 TD; 21 PR for 270 yards.
• Shaun Ellis: 31 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
• Dwight Lowery: 52 tackles and 13 deflections.
• Darrelle Revis: 34 tackles, a sack, 4 Ints (one TD), and 10 deflections.

The Jets have returned three interceptions for TDs (Abram Elam and David Barrett are the other two) and there are four players who have four sacks or more. The defense for the Jets is pretty strong and would prove to be a good matchup for the Titans.

Forecast: The Titans' opponents current record is 40-59-1 right now, and when looking at who they have already played, they have two teams who are over 500 right now, being the Colts and Ravens, both are 6-4. They have already played the Bengals, Kansas City and Houston, who are all working toward a #1 pick in the NFL Draft. These Titans just haven't been tested. And this game will show them to be not as good as the numbers show them to be. Jets take this one, 34-24.

Home Plate

Game 10: Titans vs. Jags

Well, I don't have to be a genius to figure out this one. The Titans are 9-0 and the Jags are 4-5. Hum, I wonder who is the favorite? The Titans really haven't had it all that hard, but still, 9-0 is 9-0... who wouldn't take that?

Would I call the Titans the best team in football? No. But they still do enough of what it takes to win, including not playing a certain QB.

Maybe Young is gleaning something from this experience? For his sake, I would hope so... but it is always a tough pill to swallow when one day you're the guy and then the next, you're not.

Jacksonville was a good team on paper, but they have gone the way of the Cowboys and not getting the breaks they are supposed to get. Will they make the playoffs? That is depended on the question of will they get it together... which is a big fat NO. Isn't hindsight so much better than the forecast? It's pretty easy to tell what already happened, compared to what will or should happen.

Forecast: Well, the Titans will make it 10-0, although this could be a brilliant upset game... next week seems like the obvious upset game, though, being that it is the Jets whom they will be playing. So, the score will look like this: 24-13, Titans.

Home Plate