Chargers vs Bengals Week 2 "Unsung Hero of the Week"

When we write up these weekly award posts, sometimes it becomes difficult to discern Bengals players who should be MVP nominees and those for this specific designation. For instance, multiple Bengals offensive and defensive linemen, cornerbacks and receiving options all clumped together for one great collective effort.

Keep in mind, we try and only nominate players once a week for either the MVP (which you can vote for here) or the Unsung Hero award. Call us quirky if you want, but it's us just trying to spread the wealth. Cast your vote and sound off on your selection for the Bengals' "Unsung Hero of the Week" below!

Wallace Gilberry: The rotational defensive lineman was a bit overshadowed by ''the performances of Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins, but was incredibly productive. Gilberry had three tackles, one sack and a forced fumble which was recovered by Chris Carter. He is thriving with the rejuvenated depth along the defensive line.

Vincent Rey: The veteran linebacker had a rough start to the day, but ultimately came up huge when it mattered the most. Philip Rivers looked to start one of his patented comebacks, but Rey squashed any hope with a game-clinching interception. The grab was a beauty, as he out-jumped the 6'5" Malcolm Floyd and hung on as he slammed to the turf. He also had four tackles on the day and shored up against the run in the second half.

A.J. Green: More criticism came to the Pro Bowl wide receiver because of a perceived lack of effort on a play in the fourth quarter, but he still had a pretty nice day. The footwork on his touchdown catch was incredible and he had another 23-yard snag when the team was pushed back a play earlier on a holding call. He finished with three catches for 45 yards and the TD catch.

Marvin Jones: You have to sense the Bengals are thrilled to have him back this year. Jones showed his big-play ability with a pretty 45-yard touchdown catch, which ended up being the biggest play by either team on Sunday. He finished with two catches for 48 yards.

Kevin Huber: The veteran punter is cementing his status as one of the better players at his position in the NFL. He was only asked to punt three times against the Chargers, but made them count. He averaged 47 yards-per-punt and had two inside the 20-yard line. His fourth quarter boot pinning San Diego at their five-yard line was a huge moment late in the game.

Andre Smith: With Bodine getting the MVP nod, we'll give it to the second-highest PFF scorer on the day in Smith. Really any of the big boys could be nominated for either of these awards, but Smith finished right behind Bodine with a +4.6 score. Smith was particularly critical on an afternoon where the shifty and speedy Giovani Bernard got the lion's share of the carries.