Bengals Preseason Week 1: "Unsung Hero of the Week"

We don't want to label the "Unsung Hero of the Week Award" as one that gives credit to players that "don't make the cut" for MVP, but the truth is, a number of players get overlooked in every win. This award gives them their proper due, even if their contributions were a bit behind the curtain, so to speak.

Cast your vote and sound off on your winner for the Bengals Preseason Week 1 Unsung Hero of the Week Award!

Josh Johnson, QB: Some might feel he should get an MVP nod, given that he was the leading passer on the night and made plays with his legs. Johnson combined for 212 yards (175 passing, 37 rushing), but the team struggled mightily on third downs and in the red zone under his watch. Still, he made some nice throws and instilled confidence as a backup.

Tom Obarski, K: The coaching staff likes continuity on special teams, hence why Mike Nugent has been in Cincinnati since 2010. Still, Obarski provided a little competition in the form of 11 total points on the night, including three field goals and two extra points. He bombed a nice 46-yarder, but did miss a 27-yard chip shot.

DeShawn Williams, DT: The underrated rookie made the most of his time toward the end of the game in the form of one quarterback hurry and a sack. There is a major battle going on at the position, but Williams made a good case for himself.

Tyler Eifert, TE: Man, it was good seeing him back and making catches, right? He had two for 30 yards on the night, which, uncoincidentally, were on drives which netted 10 points.

Mario Alford, WR: It wasn't an outstanding night for the rookie, but his speed was definitely on display. He took an end-around for 22 yards and another short pass for 13 because of that speed. He might have been an MVP candidate had he shown better ability on kick/punt returns.

Troy Hill, CB: The undrafted corner had a nice evening with two pass break-ups, one that blocked what could have been a touchdown on a fourth down, and three tackles. Hill faced both Ryan Nassib and Ricky Stanzi, both of whom had sub-50% completion rates.

Nico Johnson, LB: The young linebacker was a tackling machine with nine on the night. Though the run defense struggled on a couple of occasions, Johnson anchored the backup defensive unit.

Josh Shaw, DB: The fourth round pick was everywhere on Friday night, playing corner, safety and a "rover"-type of position. He had a pass break-up and four total tackles--one being a nice wrap-up on the opening kickoff to stop the Giants on their own 15-yard line.