Week 2 Bengals vs Chargers: Biggest winners and losers

WINNERS

Geno Atkins: Simply put, Atkins was extraordinarily disruptive... we're witnessing the return of old school Atkins from 2012 and the early part of 2013. For a bulk of Sunday's game, Atkins was commanding double-teams, allowing others to work freely at the line of scrimmage. For example, with 4:14 remaining in the second, the Chargers doubled Atkins, forcing San Diego to put a tight end on Carlos Dunlap, who tackled the running back at the line of scrimmage. In other instances, he was driving blockers into the pocket and forcing Rivers to immediately check down (he didn't make many poor throws). Atkins should be a quick nomination for player of the game.

Carlos Dunlap: While Atkins tends to have all-pro performances at his position, Dunlap continues developing into an all-star with awesome technique and quality stunts. At the end of the day, Dunlap generated six tackles (third on the team) and 1.5 quarterback sacks.

Marvin Jones: Wide receiver Marvin Jones, who spent the entire season on the shelf with an assortment of injuries last year, scored his first touchdown of the season on Sunday. It was his first score since Dec. 29, 2013, a span of 630 days, and was a 45-yard stand-out play. Welcome back, Marvin.

Giovani Bernard: With Jeremy Hill having a poor performance on Sunday with a case of the fumbles, Bernard generated 123 yards rushing on 20 carries. More impressively, Bernard rushed for 66 yards in the fourth quarter with 11 carries, helping Cincinnati shift into cruise control with nearly nine minutes of possession in the fourth quarter.

Vincent Rey: Seriously. Interception to win/seal the game. Need I say anything else?

Andy Dalton: We'd be remiss if we didn't include Andy Dalton, who completed 16 (of 26) passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns for a passer rating of 126.1.

LOSERS:

Mike Nugent: Cincinnati received a gift from Wallace Gilberry, who forced a strip-sack, and Chris Carter, who recovered the football with 4:13 remaining in the first quarter. Despite the 10-play possession, reaching the Chargers' 18-yard line, the Bengals concluded the drive without any points. Nugent pushed a 36-yard field goal wide right.

End of the Half: With 1:19 remaining in the first half, Andy Dalton took a shot from linebacker Manti Te'o and lost the football. Jeremiah Attaochu returned the recovered football 36 yards for a touchdown. Officials reversed the call and declared it an incomplete pass. With 1:16 remaining and two timeouts in their pocket, the Bengals, apparently spooked by the fumble, ran the football on back-to-back plays, including on third and fourth. San Diego, who had two timeouts themselves, didn't bother stopping the clock and allowed the first half clock to expire.

Jeremy Hill: When Hill lost his second fumble of the afternoon, with 7:53 remaining in the third quarter, he was benched for the remainder of the game.