USA Today recently announced their MVP for every NFL team. Even though there were many Bengals who preformed well in 2010, including rookies Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley and veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth, Nate Davis picked a defensive player for him Bengals MVP.
Defensive End Carlos Dunlap.
Cincinnati Bengals: DE Carlos Dunlap. Despite red flags — including a DUI arrest and questions about his drive — the Bengals took Dunlap in the second round of the draft (54th overall) and were rewarded for their faith in the former Florida Gator. His 9.5 sacks were second among rookies, trailing highly touted Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh, who had 10. Dunlap's effort is even more impressive considering he didn't play in four of the team's first five games, never started and didn't bag his first quarterback until Week 10. He appears to be a building block for a team that will likely need them.
Dunlap's 9.5 sacks broke the Bengals franchise record for sacks by a rookie (8.5) set in 2001 by, now 49ers defensive end, Justin Smith. With Dunlap and fellow rookie defensive lineman Geno Atkins with a year of experience under their belt, they could set the tone for the Bengals pass rush in 2011.