Bengals in Honolulu: What Young Pro-Bowlers Mean for the Future of the Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals’ rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green formed one of the most formidable duos in the entire NFL last season, and now they are taking their talents to Honolulu to play in the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl.

The honor is beyond deserving after both recorded outstanding rookie campaigns. Dalton finished 2011 with 20 touchdowns and, 3,398 passing yards with an 80.4 rating. Dalton was the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to start all 16 games and record eight or more wins and 20 touchdown passes.

Green had a record-breaking year as well, catching 65 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. Green’s numbers are even more impressive considering he missed one game this season, along with the majority of another.

Dalton and Green are the first Bengals rookies to make the Pro Bowl since Cris Collinsworth made it 30 years ago. They are also the first rookie quarterback-wide receiver duo to make the Pro Bowl in NFL history.

If 2011 is any indication, the Dalton to Green connection will terrorize defenses around the league for years to come. In 2011, Dalton and Green became the first rookie quarterback-receiver tandem in NFL history to record over 3,000 passing yards and over 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.

Dalton and Green are not the only Bengals enjoying the weather in Honolulu this week. Second-year defensive tackle Geno Atkins and second-year tight end Jermaine Gresham were recently added as well.

Atkins was a force all season long, recording a team high 7.5 sacks and ended up tied for the NFL lead among defensive tackles. Atkins also forced four fumbles and returned a fumble for a touchdown. Gresham had a stellar season, catching 56 passes for 596 yards and six scores.

Dalton, Atkins and Gresham made the Pro Bowl after New England won in the AFC Championship last week. Dalton replaced Patriots quarterback Tom Brady while Atkins replaced defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Gresham took the spot of tight end Rob Gronkowski.

So what does this mean for the future in Cincinnati? Andy Dalton answers that best:

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"For us to be here with four guys in their first, second year, it shows the kind of young talent we have," he said. "I think all four of us here, just to be around these guys that have been to the Pro Bowl a lot, it's great for us and gives us a little exposure and we can build upon this."

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All four players are key pieces the Bengals can build around in the upcoming years. Dalton is a great leader, not to mention player, at the quarterback position. He will only continue to develop and benefit from having an actual offseason this year.

Green is a player that makes everyone around him better and requires a massive amount of coverage on each play. Gresham is one of the better safety valves in the NFL, and is slowly becoming a spectacular deep threat as well. Both receivers will require the full attention of opposing defenses, opening up opportunities for teammates around them.

Atkins is a force on the interior of the line that has an endless motor. His unique skill set allows him to disrupt the timing of an opposing offense from a position not known for typically rushing the passer. His effectiveness will allow fellow defensive linemen to see less blockers because they have to account for Atkins.

While Dalton says it’s an honor to be recognized for his performance by playing in the Pro Bowl, it wasn’t one of his goals for his rookie campaign:

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"Trying to get to the playoffs is all I was worried about. With that, I was able to get here," he said. "I feel blessed. The Lord has given me so much and it's been a big year and this is a great way to kind of end it."

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Dalton nailed it—a great ending to an unexpectedly great year indeed. Enjoy the show from Honolulu Sunday at the Pro Bowl, Bengals fans. Take pride in watching four of the brightest young stars in the NFL represent the future of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The best part? This is only the beginning for these young stars. Who says the Pro Bowl doesn’t mean anything?