Chad Johnson is coming off his least productive game this season, two catches for 15 yards in a 31-13 loss to the Ravens at Baltimore.

Of course, Johnson will say, the Ravens needed two defensive backs - cornerback Chris McAlister and safety Ed Reed - to contain him.

Sunday against San Francisco, Johnson figures to see a lot of Wyoming High School and Ohio State product Ahmed Plummer, the 49ers' best cornerback. Plummer won't get the consistent help McAlister did. The 49ers won't be able to stop the Bengals' run offense if they dedicate a safety to stopping Johnson.

San Francisco has had problems this season with the deep ball, and Johnson is the AFC's best at catching deep balls. He leads the conference with 16 receptions of 20 or more yards and six receptions of 40 or more yards.

Plummer's good, though. He has four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a team-high 17 passes broken up this season. He has not displayed the problems with the deep pass that his secondary mates have.

"I'm sure we'll look at that," Plummer said of possibly doubling Johnson. "We have our own game plan as far as what we do."

Johnson is a student of receivers. He could be additionally motivated Sunday by the presence of one of his favorites, Terrell Owens of the 49ers. Johnson is having a better season with 1,120 yards, compared to Owens' 955. Johnson also has a 1.8-yard edge in per-catch average.

Mark Curnutte

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