We’re continuing our Cincinnati Bengals Bye Week Awards with a look at who’s been the team’s unsung hero through five games.
The MVP debates get the headlines. This one’s for the guys who stepped in when Colbie Young went down on the first play in Pittsburgh, when Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both left the Jacksonville game, and when the safety room got thin. Here are the nominees who keep showing up without anyone noticing.
Samaje Perine, RB: 27 carries for 110 yards (4.1 per carry, best among the
backs), seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. In Miami, he led the team with 68 rushing yards and caught a touchdown out of the backfield. Joe Burrow called him “Mr. Reliable” after the game and said he “doesn’t get enough credit.” That’s the definition of this award.
Dohnte Meyers, WR/KR: 13 catches for 141 yards as the next man up in a receiver room dealing with injuries to Young, Chase and Higgins. He also opened the Miami game with an 81-yard kickoff return that set up the first touchdown 52 seconds in.
Evan McPherson, K: Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month and given a game ball after the Miami win. Kickers only get noticed when they miss. “Money Mac” hasn’t given anyone a reason to notice.
Jonathan Allen, DE: Eight tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble. Allen has been a great addition to this defensive line and is quietly tied for the team lead in sacks (three) and has the third-most pressures (16).
Who’s the player you think nobody’s talking about? Offensive line, special teams, a backup DB? Make your case.
