Johnson breaking out

The Tennessee Titans watched Chris Johnson take the ball and break loose up the middle during the first two weeks of training camp, wondering if those would have been touchdowns in a game.

Now they’ve got an answer: A resounding YES.

The rookie running back from East Carolina, the 24th pick overall, took a handoff and went straight up the middle Saturday night for a 66-yard touchdown run. The player with the fastest 40-second dash at the NFL Combine split two Rams safeties, including Eric Bassey who was timed at 4.36 seconds in the 40 himself at his own Pro Day.

That was only one play in the Titans’ 34-13 exhibition opening win over St. Louis, but nice confirmation for Tennessee after all the critics who questioned the team’s decision to draft a running back in the first round instead of a receiver to help Vince Young. Now, the Titans have some early confirmation that their choice has a good chance to pay off quickly.

“We found out,” coach Jeff Fisher said Sunday. “We can assume a couple of those plays over the last couple of weeks would’ve been touchdowns.

Johnson dazzled the Titans not only with his 4.24-seconds speed at the combine but with his 6,993 all-purpose yards in college. He finished with 77 yards on six carries and caught a pass for 13 yards, showing the hands the Titans also intend to use to tap into his speed as a threat to score.

Raiders, Archuleta make deal

The Oakland Raiders agreed to terms on a contract with Adam Archuleta in a move to add depth to their defense.

Archuleta was at the Raiders facility Monday morning and left with trainer Rod Martin to take a physical. Archuleta was expected to take part in the night practice. The team did not immediately announce a corresponding roster move to create space.

Overweight wait over

Montrae Holland was winded, rusty and a step slow – and he couldn’t have been happier. He’d much rather be a pulling guard than pushing a sled.

The Denver Broncos’ incumbent right guard, who spent the first two weeks of camp pushing sleds on an adjacent field after reporting out of shape and overweight, practiced for the first time after getting down to his playing weight of about 325 pounds.

“I’ll tell you what, I’d rather practice any day than push them sleds all day,” Holland said, looking back out onto the field that became his personal exile island, where he sweated off more than 25 pounds.

Holland worked with the second team offensive line but fully anticipates he’ll regain his starting job by the time the season starts.

Jaguars’ Jones makes plea

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones pleaded not guilty Monday to possession of cocaine, a charge that carries up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Jones, who is free on a $2,500 bond, faces an Oct. 10 trial date – two days before the Jaguars play at Denver.

The 25-year-old Jones, a former Arkansas Razorback quarterback who was taken in the first round by Jacksonville in 2005, was arrested July 10 when a Fayetteville police officer saw him inside a car allegedly cutting up cocaine with a credit card.

Jones’ father, Steve, has denied the cocaine was in his son’s possession. He acknowledged it was in the vehicle, however, and in “closest proximity to Matt.”