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Geno Atkins Will Lead Cincinnati Bengals to Improved Defense in 2015

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Geno Atkins

Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The AFC North is a division based solely on its dominating defenses. The Cincinnati Bengals‘ took a step back a year ago, but looks to return to its top-five form of 2013 this season.

Defensive tackle Geno Atkins has returned to his old form in this year’s OTAs. If Atkins is able to sustain a high level of productivity, he can lead the Bengals to the top defense in the AFC North.

Atkins struggled in 2014 in what was his first full season after suffering an ACL tear that ended his 2013 season. The three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle accumulated 20 tackles, three sacks, a fumble recovery and a safety in 2014. The Bengals’ defense fell to 30th in the NFL, only totaling 23 sacks a year ago.

The 2012 First-Team All-Pro DT amounted his best season when he recorded 39 total tackles, 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Atkins was on route to another All-Pro season in 2013 with six sacks before it cut short on Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins.

The biggest factor for Atkins in 2015 will be his confidence. Atkins spent all of his time rehabbing the ACL tear last offseason instead of in the weight room improving his strength and power. The defensive tackle will need to have confidence in his knee in order to return to hiss All-Pro form.

One of the smartest moves the Bengals made in the offseason was re-signing former right end Michael Johnson. Johnson played a vital part of the Bengals’ defense that ranked in the top in from 2011 to 2013. Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes will be looking to implement an eight-man rotation on the defensive front in 2015. The defensive line suffered numerous injuries last season, which enabled a rotation that could deliver consistent pressure.

With Atkins healthy and the additions of Johnson and tackle Pat Sims, the Bengals have enough depth that has the potential to be the best line in the conference. Left end Carlos Dunlap led the Bengals with eight sacks a year ago and will be expected to produce at the same level, while Wallace Gillberry continues to contribute behind Johnson.

Atkins has been the heart of the Bengals’ defensive line since he emerged in his sophomore year in 2011. He will be looked at to help this defense return to top form in 2015.

Dan Miller is a NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RealDANimal45, or add him to your network on Google

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