CINCINNATI — Michael Johnson towers over blockers at 6 feet 7 inches. At 6-1, Geno Atkins often gets dwarfed on the line. Domata Peko is gregarious. Carlos Dunlap tends to cut off interviews after a few questions.

The Bengals’ defensive line is an eclectic mix of players from far different backgrounds with very different personalities and body types. Together, they formed one of the NFL’s best units this season, one of the main reasons Cincinnati is in the playoffs again.