Arkansas Bengal Posted October 25, 2014 Report Share Posted October 25, 2014 AFC North notebook: Bengals counting on defensive tackle Geno Atkins to regain dominant form What kind of shape is Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins in heading into Sunday's game against the Ravens? Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is modeling his off-field life after that of an even bigger star. The Stealers need more from linebacker Lorenzo Harrison, who came out of retirement earlier this season. A year ago, Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins was the scourge of the AFC North as a practically unblockable interior force. Atkins had been rewarded with a five-year, $55 million contract extension before last season, a testament to how disruptive and reliable the former Georgia star had become. Then Atkins' right knee buckled against the Miami Dolphins last October as he tore his anterior cruciate ligament. The injury ended Atkins' season and created doubts about whether he'd ever regain his All-Pro form. From 2011 to 2013, Atkins led all NFL defensive tackles with 26 sacks. Although Atkins has started every game this season heading into Sunday's game against the Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium, he hasn't been quite the same player. Atkins has only seven tackles, no sacks and three quarterback hits this season. The once-explosive Atkins has had problems shedding blocks and penetrating the pocket for a Bengals defense that has struggled mightily. Cincinnati ranks 31st in total defense, 30th against the run and 27th against the pass, allowing 416.7 yards of total offense per game. They've allowed 23.3 points per game, No. 18 overall in the league. But Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said he has seen improvement in Atkins' health and play in recent weeks. "Well, he's 100 percent, but obviously, it's an injury that takes time," Lewis said during a conference call with Baltimore reporters. "He played more and more effectively, and I think each and every week, we see more and more of him anytime he gets singled up [blocking.] He's been an effective rusher over the last few weeks." The Bengals sorely need for Atkins to get back to his old self. Over the past three games, first-year defensive coordinator Paul Guenther's unit has allowed an average of 35.6 points per game. Atkins and Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda, a Pro Bowl selection who's again having a banner season, have had some epic battles in the past. Despite Atkins' injury last year, Yanda is preparing for Atkins as if he's at his best. "Geno, he's got the tools," Yanda said. "Obviously, he's shown it before. He's got the lateral quickness. He's a very powerful guy. His quickness and power are his two deals. He's a good player." http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-afc-north-notebook-1026-20141025-story.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Dub Posted October 25, 2014 Report Share Posted October 25, 2014 ..but at least the NFL Network got to air another halfassed Thursday Night Game, which is what's really important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Tigre Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 It always is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|High School Harry| Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 AFC North notebook: Bengals counting on defensive tackle Geno Atkins to regain dominant form I sure as hell hope so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.A.B. Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 He's looked better every week. He's starting to get that quickness back. I'm gonna expect to see him get a nice sack within the next couple weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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