Bengals Week Thirteen "Unsung Hero Of The Week Award" Nominees

You know the drill by now--we give out some names of Bengals players that missed out on our MVP list, but still felt that they did some good things behind the scenes. Since Josh practically nominated every Bengal on the roster for this week's Player of the Game List, I had to stretch to get some other guys a nod. Make your decision and sound off on why you went that direction!

Running Back Giovani Bernard: The rookie back didn't work his usual magic through the air, but was part of an effective rushing attack. Bernard ran for 57 yards on over four yards per click and took heat off of Andy Dalton. He also had one catch for nine yards and remains one of the most consistent players on this Bengals team.

Wide Receiver Andrew Hawkins: Cincinnati's slot man finally had a breakout game of sorts on Sunday. Since his return from an ankle injury on Halloween against the Dolphins, Hawkins only had two catches for 16 yards. He had three for 65 against San Diego, including a vintage "Baby Hawk" 50-yard bolt off of a slant route. He could start to emerge as a weapon late in the season, especially if the offense continues to have difficulties finding a standout No.2 wide receiver.

Safety George Iloka: The youngster is growing up fast and had six tackles on Sunday. Iloka was one of the players tasked with keeping an eye on Chargers running back Danny Woodhead and succeeded. San Diego's scatback didn't get anything going on the day and Iloka was a reason why.

Defensive Back Chris Crocker: Not a fan of the Iloka nomination? Then maybe you'll like the nod to Crocker more. He was part of the committee involved in taking care of Woodhead and the two San Diego tight ends, Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green. Though Green had a touchdown reception, none of the three did much of anything else. Crocker has played solid all year and continued that against the Chargers with three tackles and a pass defensed.

Offensive Lineman Andrew Whitworth: This guy just epitomizes "team captain". He had his best Pro Football Focus run blocking score of the season on Sunday against the Chargers and did so while being moved inside to guard after Clint Boling went down with an injury. The two starting running backs, Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, combined for 149 yards rushing and Whitworth was a big reason for the success.

Kicker Mike Nugent: Though the team hasn't trusted him with some late attempts from long distances, Nugent has still been solid this season. He had five total points on Sunday and the late three he gave the Bengals were huge. With under ten minutes to play, Nugent drilled a 46-yard field goal which made the game a two-possession one.