Bengals 2010 Training Camp Preview:4-3 + 3-4 = one hell of a defense:

If the NFL is anything, it is a trendy league. Once one team has success with something (West Coast offense, Cover 2 D), it seems that everyone has to copy some form of it.

One of those trends is the 3-4 defense. The base defense for the new Bengals jersey, however, is still 4-3: four defensive lineman and three linebackers. But our personnel is changing and, even though we're going to stick with the 4-3 base this year, I think Mike Zimmer is going to use more 3-4 looks. The reason? Two words:


Michael Johnson.
CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 25: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Michael Johnson #93 and Frostee Rucker #92 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 25, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 45-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Not the 400 meter sprinter. A 6-7, 260 lb., second-year defensive end. The dude is a freak of nature, and he's extremely versatile. Zimmer gave high praise for Johnson's maturation on the field and his defensive prowess. Not only is Johnson still working on rushing the passer, he's been practicing at outside linebacker. Julius Peppers jersey is very high on Johnson and his skills and I think Cincinnati has only seen a glimpse of what he's capable of.

I think as the season progresses, and Johnson becomes more and more comfortable with the outside linebacker position, Cincinnati may use the 3-4 more and more. They'll probably stick with the 4-3 on first down still, but it would be foolish not to use such a tall guy that has great speed and can use his wing span to get in the quarterback's face. Who knows, he might even end up being a starter by the end of the year. In either the 4-3 or 3-4 defense. I don't see Brian Urlacher jersey as being as physically gifted as Michael Johnson.

Regardless of whether or not Johnson starts, he should make a huge impact with his versatility and athletic ability.