NFL

AFC: Bengals' Johnson stolidly silent

By wire services
Published January 5, 2006

CINCINNATI - Now that Chad Johnson has reached the NFL's biggest stage, he has little to say.

The Bengals' top receiver and best showman intimated on Wednesday that he's been muffled by a head coach trying to get his team focused for its first playoff appearance in 15 years.

Usually the center of attention in the locker room, Johnson declined interviews with a sorrowful shake of his head. He sat alone eating chicken and rice while teammates talked freely about their first-round game Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Asked if he would talk to the media at all, Johnson said, "Only if you pay my fine."

That was fine with coach Marvin Lewis, who has tried various ways to subdue a player who keeps inventing ways - a Pepto-Bismol shipment, a Terrible Towel bib - to tweak the next opponent.

Finally, silence.

"Wow. After 17 weeks! Man!" Lewis said Wednesday, breaking into a huge smile. "Don't put Marvin Lewis in that decision. Good decision by Chad. He wants to focus on the week, and that's good."

BRONCOS: Gary Kubiak had an average arm and was not very nimble, but lasted nine years with Denver as John Elway's backup. The reason was simple: The guy knew the offense. After he retired, Kubiak took that knowledge to the sideline. Now, 15 years later, Denver's offensive coordinator is attracting interest as a head-coaching prospect. The Broncos have received an official request from the Houston Texans to interview Kubiak during their bye week. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said other teams have contacted the Broncos, as well, and while he wouldn't get specific, he confirmed reports that pretty much every team with an opening has at least made preliminary contact with the Broncos about Kubiak. "It's an opportunity that he's earned," Shanahan said. "He's done a great job here. He's done a great job since he's been in the NFL and whoever gets him will be lucky."

JAGUARS: Linebacker Mike Peterson missed a second day of practice, but said his sprained right wrist will not prevent him from playing at New England on Saturday. He has worn a cast the last three days and probably will play with a protective sheath.

PATRIOTS: The injury report is the same as it was last week, save for the addition of defensive tackle Mike Wright, who injured his left ankle against Miami on Sunday. Wright, likely to play little anyway, is listed as questionable. Linebacker Tedy Bruschi (calf) appeared to move comfortably through the locker room and he was on the field for a workout. Bruschi is expected to play against the Jaguars.

STEELERS: Pittsburgh's biggest advantage against Cincinnati is obvious. Steelers who have appeared in a playoff game for Pittsburgh: 40. Bengals who have appeared in a playoff game for Cincinnati: None. Steelers coach Bill Cowher said no one should think it will be like a regular-season game. "We understand what it's like to play in the playoffs," he said. "It goes up even further. The speed of the game is faster, the magnitude of each play becomes greater. Certainly our play this week has to indicate that." Cowher likes that his team has been in a playoff-like mode since a 38-31 loss to the Bengals on Dec. 4 forced the Steelers to win their final four to reach the playoffs.

[Last modified January 5, 2006, 01:18:19]