| Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap was named this week's AFC Defensive Player of the Week. (US Presswire) |
Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap was named the AFC defensive player of the week on Wednesday after recording two sacks and forcing and recovering a fumble against San Diego.
He proudly accepted the honor, but didn't view it as an individual award. Rather, it was the latest accomplishment for the disruptive Bengals' defensive line.
Five defensive linemen own at least three sacks thus far this season, with DT Geno Atkins leading the way with 9.5. Michael Johnson (8), Dunlap (4), Wallace Gilberry (4) and Robert Geathers (3) all contributed to the dominant pass rush.
“We treat it like the Hunger Games,” Dunlap said. “Whoever gets there first. Especially when we know its a pass, me, Geno and Mike are licking our chops like we hadn't eaten all day, ate at like breakfast, now we got to eat.”
But with the way this group attacks from all angles, brute force appears to be the only weapon necessary. Cincinnati leads the NFL in sacks (39) and is on pace for 52 -- well past the franchise record of 48 set in 2001.
The waves of pressure with assistance in the run game from defensive tackles Domata Peko and Pat Sims created this beast, where a different player seems to reap the rewards each week. Johnson earned defensive Player of the week nod on Sept. 23.
This week, Dunlap feasted.
“It's an honor I take on behalf of my D-line because I don't feel like I was out there by myself and I feel like it was one of those things that happened on chance because at any given time Geno or Mike could have got there before me,” he said. “Hey, just got to keep grinding and make sure I am there first.”
They expect the opportunity to arrive often against the Cowboys. Dallas allowed seven sacks to Cleveland three weeks ago. Over the past four games, the quarterback went down 14 times. Dunlap plans on increasing the number dramatically. Whether a sack or not, they'll be out to place the QB on the ground often.
“As many times as we can,” he said. “I don't want to put a number on [how many hits] because I obviously want to hit them every time, every play. And there is usually about 65 plays in a game.”
Happy Hunger Games, Tony Romo.
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals updates on Twitter @CBSBengals.