It was a barn-burner in The Big Apple this Sunday, and while it wasn't the best game we've seen from Marvin Lewis' Bengals, they still managed to come out on top, 23-22. Our weekly MVP posts usually range from having a wide variety of nominees to just a small handful who seem to have dominated in a particular week.
The opener provided us with a number of players who stepped up as the premiere players on Sunday afternoon versus the Jets. Cast your vote and sound off on your selection for this week's winner!
Andy Dalton, Quarterback: Given what the Bengals' quarterback had to deal with from his surrounding cast on Sunday afternoon, he had a pretty great output. There were a couple of poor throws, including a wobbler of an interception in the first half, but Dalton rallied in the second half and ultimately got the Bengals in position to win the game. He finished 23/30 for 366 yards, one touchdown and the interception.
A.J. Green, Wide Receiver: There have been so many huge performances by the Pro Bowl wideout that it becomes hard to rank his best ones. However, the opener in New York has to be in the conversation, given his utter dominance of one of the best cornerbacks in the game, Darrelle Revis. Green had 12 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown reception.
Jeremy Hill, Running Back: Even though the running game sputtered against the Jets, we have to give a nod to a player who had one of the team's two touchdowns on Sunday. Though he had just 31 yards on the ground against New York, his 12-yard touchdown run gave the team a 20-16 lead late in the third quarter.
Mike Nugent, Kicker: Performances like the one Nuge put forth on Sunday should put us fans in our place as we write off our opinions on some Bengals whipping boys. Though he missed a critical 52-yard attempt, Nugent, a former second round pick by the Jets, made three others, including the game-winner from 47 yards. He also nailed two extra points on a day where Nick Folk had a field goal blocked and missed a point-after the touchdown.
Karlos Dansby, Linebacker: Much like the issues with the offensive line and the running game, the Bengals' defense didn't have a lot to write home about on Sunday. However, Dansby filled in admirably for the suspended Vontaze Burfict, making many rangy plays. Though Matt Forte had nearly 100 yards on the ground, the veteran had 11 total tackles on the afternoon and led a defensive unit that stiffened up at critical moments.