Dunlap Second Among Rookie Sack Leaders: Where's Johnson?

Carlos Dunlap has sacked a quarterback 4.5 times so far this season ranking him second among rookies right behind the second overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the Detroit Lion's Ndamukong Suh. Dunlap also leads the Bengals in sacks this season. The only other Bengals with more than one sack are fellow rookie Geno Atkins (1.5) and Chris Crocker (2).

There was a silver lining in Dunlap's DUI arrest before the 2009 SEC Championship game in which Dunlap's Florida Gators lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide. It could have been the reason that he fell to the Bengals in the second round in the 2010 NFL draft.

Dunlap's success in his rookie season points out Michael Johnson's lack of success in his two seasons so far. So far in Johnson's career he's amassed only 3.5 sacks. There was some serious excitement involving Johnson and the news that he was going to be playing outside linebacker where he could be extremely productive, especially as a pass rusher. However, that really never came to fruition partly because of injuries on the defensive line and partly because of..........?

John Thornton believes that it's time for Johnson to step up, not only for himself but for the Bengals.

There are certain guys that can use the rest of the season to make a case for themselves next year. One of those guys is DE Michael Johnson. With DE Antwan Odom on IR, and DE Frostee Rucker out for the season as well, Michael Johnson has a chance to show that he can be a starting DE next year. That would help the team in two ways. The Bengals could release or ask DE Antwan Odom to take a pay cut if he wants to come back, and Michael Johnson playing well would essentially take them out of the running for a DE with their first pick in the draft. Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers looks to be one of the few guys that’s worth a top 5 pick, so Michael Johnson has a chance to keep his replacement away.

If somehow Johnson miraculously turned on the heat and started chasing quarterbacks around in the backfield like a rabid dog, he could possibly help the Bengals during Antwan Odom resigning/draft decision making time. But, if that happens, the question would have to be asked - where was Michael Johnson when his career with the Bengals wasn't on the line?