Bengals Defensive End Michael Johnson And His Career Performance Against The Redskins

Michael Johnson's performance against the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon was arguably the best in his young NFL career. Entering Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins, Johnson has only generated 12.5 quarterback sacks in 47 career regular season games. After Cincinnati's 38-31 win over the Redskins, his career sack total increased by 24 percent, upping his total to 15.5. And it wasn't just the sacks. He generated a team-high seven quarterback hits, a pass deflection, six total tackles as a general nemesis for Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III.

After the game a returning Carlos Dunlap, who may have helped free Johnson on many pass rushes, said of Michael Johnson's performance:

    "When (RG III) goes to the bathroom tonight he's going to see Mike Johnson right behind him."

Now in fairness we have to point out that his performance wasn't against Washington's starting left tackle, Trent Williams, who left the game early with a knee injury. So if you want compare Johnson's performance to that of Antwan Odom, who generated five quarterbacks sacks in 2009 against a backup offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers, go ahead.

Otherwise let's celebrate Johnson's performance.

Star-divide

But first a strong effort against Washington's running early rushing performance. With 6:36 remaining in the first quarter from Washington's own 10-yard line, quarterback Robert Griffin III hands off to Alfred Morris targeting the left side of the offensive line. Johnson clearly overpowers left tackle Jordan Black, who replaced the injured Trent Williams, three yards deep into the backfield. It wasn't a straight bull-rush either. Johnson was in control the entire time.  

Johnson shed off Black's attempted block and dropped Morris for a limited three-yard gain. The Bengals defense forced a three and out during the possession after Griffin threw an incomplete to Leonard Hankerson near the right sidelines.

By the 3:28 mark in the first quarter, the Bengals have secured a 14-7 lead when the Redskins take possession at their own 20-yard line. Following an 11-yard screen to Joshua Morgan, Griffin fakes the handoff to Morris with 2:52 in the first. Michael Johnson began with a bee-line down the line of scrimmage before redirecting into a pass rush once he realized Griffin held onto the football. The secondary really dominated this play, forcing the rookie quarterback to hold onto the football.

Wallace Gilberry split a double team, forcing Griffin to step into the pocket. By this time Johnson's spin move shredded Logan Paulsen's block, who pulled from the right during the run fake, opening a lane for the defensive end.