Champ Bailey: Being Champ Ain't Easy

Being the best at what you do earns respect from your peers. By that measure Champ Bailey is the gold-standard at his position.

Champ is probably the top corner in this league," Johnson said. "He's a great player, and it's going to be a big challenge for me... You definitely look forward to going up against the best. It's always a challenge for you to see where you're at." - Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

And therein lies the rub. Being the best means you bring out the best in your competition. Like no other position in football is that more of a precarious honor. Cornerbacks are stuck on an island of accountability where every slip, touch or grab could change the game in an instant. Bottom line; even the best are going to take there licks from time to time, and lately Champ has taken his share. Two weeks ago, Chad Johnson lit him up for 7 catches, 149 yards and a TD in a Monday night loss to the Bengals. Champ returned home to face the inconsistent Atlanta Falcons and surrendered 2 TD's to Peerless Price, his first scores of 2004.

Two tough weeks for Champ and two tough losses for the Broncos who many expected to roll through this 'easier' portion of their schedule. A matchup against Andre Johnson won't likely provide much comfort or relief for Champ Bailey. But big-time players have that keen sense of timing by being tapped into the pulse of the team and stepping up their game when it's needed most. Two straight losses, and two straight games that brought out the best in Champ Bailey's competition with Bailey coming up short both times. I'd say this qualifies as a big-time game coming up this Sunday. When the Broncos sent Pro-Bowl runner Clinton Portis to Washington in exchange for Bailey they no doubt had games like this in mind when they pulled the trigger on the deal. All eyes will be on the Bailey vs. Johnson dual this weekend with good reason. The outcome of the game for both teams is literally in their hands.

Big and tall order awaits Broncos' Bailey [RockyMountainNews.com]
Photo: [Tom Hauck: Getty Images]

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Champ Bailey: Being Champ Ain't Easy