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LANDON JOHNSON'S WEB DIARY

Weather cools down as practice heats up

The weather cooled down in Georgetown, Ky., this past week, but practice intensity is still heating up. Practices have been tough as we're all grinding out the two a days looking forward to our first pre-season game of the year.

This past weekend, we played our annual mock scrimmage. It's hard to label exactly what this "game" is. Even if you were one of the more than 9,000 fans in attendance, it's possible you may not know what you saw. Some people call it a game, others a scrimmage. I just call it practice. That's all it is to me.

I know when I was a rookie, it seemed more like a game atmosphere. Maybe I didn't know what to expect, but now I do. This year, it's just another practice to help tune up the team and get us ready for the real games that lie ahead. Don't get me wrong, execution is important and intensity is up a little bit from some other practice sessions. The media seems to emphasize the "game" more than other practices too. Fans also like it because it allows them to see some stats from the QBs and other positions.

All practices, including the mock game, are important. Whether you are a starter, a backup, or just a guy battling for a roster spot - along with a little respect, performing at a high level is necessary. Every practice is another step towards achieving our team goal.

Our fans love to see us play, night or day, rain or shine. Having the extra fans to watch is a nice plus and it can serve as a reminder that the season is definitely getting closer. I don't play any harder just because more people are watching, but it's good to see the city start getting geared up for the upcoming season.

I enjoy the practice, but I know what it is. It's just that, an important practice just like all the rest.

Landon Johnson is a third-year linebacker with the Cincinnati Bengals. His Web site is www.LJ59.com.