Cincinnati Bengals Players Flying Under the Radar (Who Totally Shouldn't Be)

The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL.  Despite preseason predictions that they would struggle to win four games, they have already produced nine wins and could see the playoffs. 

The outstanding performances of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green have been highlighted tremendously, and while the defense's solid work has been acknowledge, few players other than the rookies have received any type of recognition.

Andrew Hawkins: WR

Andrew Hawkins, the wideout from Toledo, has proven to be a surprising threat in the Bengals' receiving core.  At 25 years old, this season is Hawkins' first in the NFL, having played in Canada for two years.  He was signed to the Bengals' practice squad and then their active roster following Jordan Shipley's injury. 

What a replacement he's been.

Hawkins has played in 12 straight games, picking up 229 yards in the process.  Admittedly, that's not great, but then again, he's not the Bengals' first-choice target.  Of the 20 receptions he's made, 10 have been for first downs.  He's becoming a preferred third-down weapon.

In 2010, Jordan Shipley had 52 receptions for 600 yards, an average of 11.5 yards per catch.   Hawkins has played in fewer games and has matched Shipley's 11.5 yards per catch perfectly. 

Sure, he's not as good as A.J. Green, but he is certainly a capable and quick receiver.

Reggie Nelson: Safety

Reggie Nelson, the 28-year-old safety from Florida, has been a huge part of the Bengals' defense.  The safety has 83 total tackles and a pair of sacks.  He also leads the team in interceptions with four.

He's been an exciting defender, sparking life into games when needed and holding back and containing when asked.  He's also got some impressive hits to his name, like this one.

Michael Johnson: DE

Michael Johnson has been a Bengal since he was drafted in 2009.  Since then, he's played in every game, totaling 47.

He's got 38 tackles this year and five sacks.  He's also forced a fumble and recovered two others.

Marvin Lewis has described Johnson as "one of the best pass rushers he's every worked with."  That means something for a coach who has worked as a defensive coordinator for the Steelers and Ravens.

Michael Johnson was one of the best players in the Bengals' second defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, making big tackles and getting a sack on Big Ben.

Adam Jones: CB

After returning from injury, Adam "Pacman" Jones made an immediate impact, returning a punt for 63 yards in his very first play.  Unfortunately, he pulled him hamstring on the play and was out for the next game.

Since then, Jones' returns have been limited, partly to prevent another injury and partly because the Bengals can't risk a cornerback with their star, Leon Hall, out for the season.

Jones has played in seven games this year, picking up 24 solo tackles.  He's also defended against six passes. 

In Leon Hall's absence, Jones has stepped up in a big way.  He's been a shutdown corner, especially in games like the one against Houston, where he was an absolute menace.

Expect to hear more about him as he plays more and hopefully gets back to returning.  He's one of the best in the NFL in terms of TDs per return.

Jermaine Gresham: TE

Jermaine Gresham has quietly been one of the better young tight ends in the league.  His numbers have improved since his rookie season, and he's a legitimate threat and one of Andy Dalton's favorite weapons, second in total receptions behind A.J. Green. 

At 6'5", weighing in at 260 pounds, Gresham is a huge man and very hard to defend against.  Much like Green, if the ball is high in the air, Gresham has the height and hands to come down with it.  He's also strong enough to grab a few more yards.

He's got six TDs and 51 receptions for 524 yards this season with a rookie quarterback.  His future looks bright.

Geno Atkins: DT

More defenders reporting in.  Geno Atkins was drafted in the fourth round by the Bengals in 2010, and his impact has already been huge. 

Last year in 16 games, he picked up just 16 tackles, three sacks and a tackle for a loss.

This season, he's got 45 tackles, 13 for a loss and team-leading eight sacks in their 15 games.

Atkins is another part of this impressive and yet young Bengals defense, and will certainly keep getting better.

Wrap Up

The Bengals' future looks bright.  They've got a lot of young, impressive talent.  Green and Dalton look experienced well beyond their years, and they are not alone. 

The Bengals are looking to become a force in the NFL, quietly developing a very good, young defense and picking up talented players on offense.  These players will get the recognition they deserve as the team develops and wins more.