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We're bumming. Less than a week has passed since the Cincinnati Bengals were eliminated from the 2012 NFL playoffs. It burns our core.
Yet it shouldn't take away from the enjoyment of watching a 7-1 second half, ten-win season with some players dominating their respective position. Celebrate that with a positive outlook that the Cincinnati Bengals have far more ahead of them than what they've left behind. Consider this is one the second-year of this version. There's more to come, we're sure of it.
On Thursday two Bengals players made the 2012 Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers awards.
Defensive tackle Geno Atkins was named to the 2012 Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers All-Pro Team, writing:
In his third season, Atkins blossomed into the league’s most intimidating interior defender, as well as the primary force in one of the league’s most potent pass-rush units. Atkins registered 12½ sacks (fourth most in the AFC) — 4½ more than the league’s second most productive interior sacker, Lions DT Ndamukong Suh. Atkins also tied for the team lead with four forced fumbles.
Offensive guard Kevin Zeitler was named to the 2012 Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers All-Rookie team.