The NFL is a sport like no other. The life expectancy is shorter in the NFL than any other major sport. With the NFL about to kick off the regular season in less than two weeks, teams are gearing up for their front line and secondary players. One player that will start the season as secondary but will surely see action via injury, defensive package, or just being too good to keep on the sideline is second year player Michael Johnson.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and the rest of the Bengal staff made a bold move and moved Johnson from defensive end in 2009 to linebacker in 2010. The results have had an immediate impact. In ’09, Johnson was willing to do anything the team asked of him. He was one of the leading tacklers on special teams with seven. Johnson has shined in every Bengal preseason game thus far this preseason. He is among the team leaders in sacks for the preseason. Johnson’s success is not a surprise but an expectation. The second year player who was drafted in the third round out of Georgia Tech hit the NFL running from college. The 6'7" Johnson started only one year at Tech. In the one year as a starter the talented playmaker was able to amass nine sacks and force 10 fumbles. Over 15 of his tackles were for losses. Johnson went on to make first team All-American honors as a senior at Georgia Tech. “Michael is a freak of nature physically,” said head coach Marvin Lewis. His tall lanky makeup makes him difficult for offensive lineman to block. Johnson is a Selma, Alabama native. He was a dominant offensive and defensive star for his high school Dallas County. As a tight end he caught 42 passes for 650 yards with 6 touchdowns. As a defensive end the future Bengal would tally 92 tackles along with 14 sacks.

Last season Johnson got spot duty at defensive end. Though at times the 23 year old went through growing pains, Johnson matured as the season went along. He ended the ’09 season with 16 tackles and 3 sacks. It’s also no surprise that Johnson at 6-7 led the team in passes defended in ’09 with 5. He is currently listed as the second team outside linebacker behind starter Ray Maualuga. Early in the preseason Maualuga was injured opening the door for Johnson to get the start. The second year Georgia Tech player was all over the field in wrecking crew style. Though Johnson is now used as a linebacker, look for the Bengals to use him in some packages as a defensive end. Starters Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers have had their issues with staying healthy.

The Indianapolis Colts will be the final tune-up for the Bengals this week. Right out of the gate, the Bengals face the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens in the regular season. Johnson is a player who has the potential to record double digit sack numbers if given a chance to do so. His services will be needed against a dangerous Tom Brady led offense. “Michael is a player you have to have on your team,” says defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. “He brings an entirely different element.”