John Grieshop - Getty Images
6 months ago: CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Geno Atkins #97 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a sack of Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns during their game at Paul Brown Stadium on November 27, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
ProFootballFocus.com, a site that grades players based on what they do on every snap, believes that Geno Atkins, the Bengals' second-year defensive tackle, is the best pass rushing defensive tackle in the NFL. He leads the Bengals with 7.5 sacks on the season, which leads all interior defensive linemen in the league.
Atkins has a PFF overall rating of 29.2, which is the second highest rating that they gave to any defensive tackle in the league. Only New York Jets defensive tackle Sione Pouha has a higher rating (30.0). The reason Pouha's rating is higher, though, is because he's rated as the best run-stopping defensive tackle in the league, with a rating of 27.2. Atkins has a run defense score of 6.6 but it's his pass rushing rating that sets him apart from other defensive tackles.
He has a pass rush score of 21.3, which is higher than any other defensive tackles in the league by just under five points. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour is second in the league behind Atkins with a score of 16.6.
In addition to his 7.5 sacks, Atkins has 14 quarterback hits and 26 quarterback pressures. He also has 31 stops so far this season, which is tied for fifth in the NFL among defensive tackles. A stop, in PFF terms, is a solo defensive tackle which constitutes an offensive failure.
Atkins will be needed to pressure T.J. Yates through the middle of the line on Saturday if the Bengals are going to win their first playoff game in over two decades. If he, along with Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson, get into the backfield enough to make Yates uncomfortable when he drops back to pass, the Bengals linebackers and secondary would have a much easier time doing their jobs.
0 recs | 18 comments
But that's cool, I guess we just have to accept him not getting invited to the Pro Bowl.
sexsalad - January 4, 2012
insert pic of Yates for Tebow
I love me some Geno
ticalcaldwell - January 4, 2012
tebow looks like he is getting te-boned
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
LOL
UpStateMike - January 5, 2012
Like i have been saying the last month or two
resign him asap!
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
Big Geno still has two years left after this season. His rookie contract will expire at the END of the 2013 season
But I would not be surprised if the team signs him to a big extension either this offseason, or at some point during next season.
The_Black_Stripes - January 4, 2012
Geno is the man!
He has been a pleasant surprise to a team that really needed help in the pass rush category.
Bigcatdaddy - January 4, 2012 via mobile
our pass rush has to be the strength of this team now!
were are 4th in the league in sacks….
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
I love every bit of it
In the previous playoff runs our pressure was nonexistent but boy how things have changed. My favorite part of the game is seeing the opposing QB getting slammed.
Bigcatdaddy - January 4, 2012 via Android app
Where was his Pro Bowl nod
Throw the ball - January 4, 2012
No kidding. The Bengals get no respect. Whitworth should've got a PB invite also.
redrifle14 - January 4, 2012
I need help.
Atkins or Dunlap jersey for next year? Want to wait until the new Nike’s come out.
n8dogg - January 4, 2012
Ahhhhh!
Both, just splurge!
WHYUS!! - January 4, 2012
You sir, are a genious.
You have made my decision very easy..
n8dogg - January 4, 2012
This is an area
Where the Texans are poor, blocking up the middle
WreckNTexan - January 4, 2012
bout time other ppl notice outside of cincy fans and team
joshb1983 - January 5, 2012
pay the man after this seasons over...dont let him get in final yr of deal..that never works here..weve needed a guy like geno for yrs and now we got one lock him up for 4 or 5 yrs
joshb1983 - January 5, 2012
Not Surprised
Geno was a stud in Georgia and continues his to elevate his game at the next level in the NFL. I remember reading about him on draft day and I became a instant fan of him after that. He is a very poised young man well centered and has a great work ethic, kind of rare for a Bengal. HAHA Anyway this is why I am not surprised by his play and I welcome his selection as a alternate for the pro bowl he will be heading out there next season and you can take that to the bank. WHO DEY and congrats to Geno Atkins JR!
GVille - January 5, 2012
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