Bengals looking to resurrect 'Fisher-Price' pass rush
After a league-worst 20 sacks in 2014, the Bengals are looking to go back to their roots.
Five years after the original formation of Mike Zimmer's 'Fisher-Price' package, the trio of Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, and Michael Johnson are amped for a reunion.
The threesome combined for 63 sacks from 2010 to 2012, 52 percent of the team's output. With Johnson back after a disappointing season in Tampa Bay, and Geno Atikins looking healthy again, Dunlap would love to see a Fisher-Price revival.
"The 'Fisher-Price,' that's one of the things that started the pass rush here with the Bengals," Dunlap told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We want to finish all together as Bengals. That's one thing that can revive our pass rush, and I just look forward to continuing to compete and getting better together."
Dunlap, who recorded eight sacks last season, is working on getting off the ball quicker. While he has yet to match his rookie season total of 9.5 sacks, he has loftier personal goals.
"I want to lead the league," Dunlap. "That's my goal every year. So whoever the leader is, I'm trying to have one more than him. Actually the goal is 23 because I think 22.5 is the season record."
Head coach Marvin Lewis said after last season that he's more concerned with disruption in opposing backfield than actual sack totals. Johnson believes the defensive line's chemistry will lead to more of both next season.
"We're going to go in and have fun and feed off each other," Johnson said. "It's just going to be good getting the band back together. We're going to come out and play hard and just have a good time. Coming to work is fun. It doesn't feel like work. When you can get that type of environment, that's special."
h/t: Cincinnati Enquirer
