Commentary: Facing Chiefs good test for Bengals’ Johnson

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer 10:48 PM Saturday, December 26, 2009

It’s only natural that each fan will keep a close eye on Cincinnati Bengals running back Larry Johnson this afternoon, Dec. 27.

Johnson, after all, will be going against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team that released him last month after he used tweets to insult Chiefs head coach Todd Haley.

Because of emotions involved, the matchup will provide a unique challenge for Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and his staff. Just as Johnson’s addition was a test of the team’s locker room chemistry, today’s game will help to prove whether Bengals coaches can prepare players emotionally as well as physically.

It’s difficult to face someone who has cut ties with you, and Johnson will no doubt be motivated, although the talk this week has been tame on the subject.

“What’s going on right now is bigger than me versus the Kansas City Chiefs,” Johnson said.

The fact that Johnson made that statement instead of something more inflammatory shows he, Lewis and his new teammates are on the right path and communicating well.

But we’ll see what happens during the game.

If the Bengals have progressed as far as we think they have, there won’t be any emotional outbursts or mental mistakes by Johnson because of the opponent.

The performance, either way, will give us a better idea about whether acquiring Johnson was a good idea.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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