Bengals vs Jaguars preseason Week 3: Erickson, Bernard, Dalton, Rey among Most Valuable Player candidates

It was a Sunday night filled with ups and downs for the Cincinnati Bengals, as they lost 26-21 in Jacksonville. The starters played well, but things fell apart toward the end of the game, as the Jaguars scored 23 unanswered points surrendered by Cincinnati's backups.

Regardless, there were a number of quality performances from players who are locked in to make the final roster. Cast your vote and sound off on your winner for this week's Bengals Most Valuable Player in the Sunday night loss to the Jaguars!

Andy Dalton, Quarterback: The team's starter led two touchdown drives, and finished 6-of-10 for 77 yards and a passing touchdown. The second drive was a 16-play beauty that really wore down the Jacksonville defense and imposed the Bengals' will.

AJ McCarron, Quarterback: Both Bengals signal-callers have had great preseasons, and McCarron finished his third game with great results. McCarron went 8-of-12 with 107 passing yards and a touchdown, including a great 53-yard bomb to Cody Core down the sideline.

Giovani Bernard, Running Back: In limited action, Bernard once again displayed his versatility. He had three carries for 27 yards and two catches for 25 yards--one of which was a 19-yard touchdown from Dalton on a screen pass that was well-executed.

Jeremy Hill, Running Back: The third-year back is on a path to redemption in 2016 and he's off to a good start, if the preseason is any indication. Hill had a 28-yard catch to go with 21 yards on eight carries and a touchdown. The score was acrobatic, as he took the carry to the outside and dove over the front left pylon.

Alex Erickson, Wide Receiver: Each offseason, the Bengals seem to uncover a gem of an undrafted free agent and Erickson appears to be just that. The rookie out of Wisconsin contributed in multiple ways on Sunday night, while continuing to give himself a good chance to make the final roster. On special teams, he had a 31-yard kickoff return and two punt returns for 56 yards yards. On offense, he had one carry for eight yards, and a 21-yard touchdown reception.

Vincent Rey, Linebacker: It wasn't a banner night for a number of defensive players, but Rey did have a couple of nice plays on the evening. The highlight was a fumble recovery he returned for 16 yards and set up the starting offense with great field position. Dalton and Co. turned it into seven points and an early lead.