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ENGLEWOOD, COLO. (AP) -- Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey has watched Calvin Johnson's ascension to elite wide receiver status from afar.

On Sunday, he will get a firsthand look at the explosive Lions receiver for the first time since a 2007 matchup when Johnson was a raw but talented rookie.

Through the first seven games for Detroit, Johnson is the NFL leader with 10 touchdown catches while ranking third in the league in receptions (41) and fourth in yards receiving (689). The tall, classically built receiver has posed constant matchup problems for defensive backs and he has broken through coverage to register four games with multiple touchdown catches as one of the league's best scoring threats.

More often than not, it figures to be Bailey drawing the coverage assignment on Johnson for the Broncos.

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