From 2010 to 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals became known as the team that struggled under pressure. They couldn’t handle playing under the bright lights on Monday, Thursday, or Sunday nights. When all eyes were on the Bengals, they failed to shine. They made the playoffs in five years during this decade and lost in the Wild-Card Round each time. Many fans will remember that Cincinnati held onto their head coach, Marvin Lewis, longer than necessary. From the start of his time in Cincinnati, Lewis pushed the Bengals to be better and reach the playoffs. However, he could not help this team over the next hurdle – winning a playoff game. Cincinnati had potential. They simply did not capitalize. In this article, we will be discussing the Cincinnati Bengals 2010s all-decade team on the defensive side of the ball.
Check out the Bengals All-Decade team on offense.
Cincinnati Bengals 2010s All-Decade Team: Defense
Defensive End: Carlos Dunlap
Carlos Dunlap’s career with the Bengals has spanned over the last decade. He has played 148 games, defended 58 passes, and forced 20 fumbles. Dunlap plays an instrumental role in the Bengals defense as he’s known for his consistency. He has made it to the Pro Bowl twice during the last decade. It’s a big reason the Bengals inked him to a three-year extension ahead of the 2018 season.
Cornerback: Drew Kirkpatrick
Much like Dunlap, Dre Kirkpatrick spent his entire career from 2012 to 2019 with Cincinnati. Kirkpatrick is currently a free agent. The cornerback played 67 games, had 10 interceptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive Tackle: Geno Atkins
In Geno Atkins’ 10 seasons with Cincinnati, he was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and made the First-Team All-Pro twice. He has played 153 games and made 75.5 sacks as well as 383 combined tackles. Pro Football Reference ranks his approximate value as 104, making Atkins an integral part of Bengals defense.
Defensive End: Michael Johnson
In 141 games with the Bengals, Michael Johnson made four interceptions for 32 years and one touchdown. He made 40.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and 371 combined tackles. Bengals head coach, Lewis, stated in an interview that Johnson might be “one of the best pass rushers he has ever worked with.”
Safety: George Iloka
George Iloka spent 2012 through 2017 with the Bengals. In 83 games, he had nine interceptions for 92 yards, defended 32 passes, forced two fumbles, and made 343 combined tackles. Cincinnati released Iloka after the 2017 season, and two days later, Minnesota Vikings head coach, Mike Zimmer, called. It was only a matter of time before Illoka signed with Minnesota.
Safety: Shawn Williams
Shawn Williams has been with the Bengals since 2012. In 106 games, Williams has snagged 12 interceptions for 178 yards and one touchdown. He has defended 25 passes, forced one fumble, made three sacks, and 408 combined tackles.
Vontaze Burfict: Linebacker
While Vontaze Burfict is known more for his controversial, over-the-top hits, he still deserves a spot on this decade list. Burfict played with the Bengals from 2012 to 2018. During this time, he played 75 games, made five interceptions for 82 yards, forced four fumbles, and recovered five fumbles for 13 yards and one touchdown. Additionally, Burfict made 8.5 sacks and 604 combined tackles. The linebacker was fined or suspended by the NFL 13 times during his career in Cincinnati. Had he played more responsibly, Burfict could have made a much bigger impact on the Bengals defense.
