Dalton is Crowned, While Green Is on His Way to Getting Lei’d

Nov 11, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) is picked up by wide receiver A.J. Green (18) after scoring during the second half against the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Giants 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

In a season that has brought the Bengals highs and lows; the team still finds hope in their players. After a game that had all of the NFL talking about the orange and black against the defending Super Bowl Champions, it is no wonder their leader is being called to the forefront this week.

It was announced yesterday that Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week in the NFL. Dalton put on a show for fans on Sunday, completing 21 of 30 passes for 199 yards. He also threw four touchdowns to four different receivers, showing his versatility in the passing game. The second year quarterback also managed to make better decisions with the ball, throwing zero interceptions for the first time in eight games. Dalton’s award marks the first time in more than three years that a Bengals player has won the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

There was even more good news for another bright spot on the team. A.J. Green led all NFL wide receivers in Pro Bowl voting when the first round of fan votes was counted yesterday. If he can hold on to the lead at the December 17th deadline, the second year receiver will be on his second trip to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii to represent the AFC.

Green has had a phenomenal sophomore showing this year, after a record breaking rookie season with the Bengals. This year, Green has already racked up a team leading 820 receiving yards on 58 catches. He has nine touchdowns throughout nine games and is on pace for 1,400 plus yards and 16 touchdowns.

Another Bengals player is also in the race to have a back to back appearance in the Pro Bowl. Third year player Geno Atkins, who is leading the team in sacks, is second among AFC defensive tackles in early fan voting results. Atkins is 20,000 votes shy of Haloti Ngata of Baltimore.

The Bengal players will look to capitalize on their play this week when they face the 1-8 Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The match up appears to be a good one for the Bengals. Hopefully, more awards will be coming the team’s way.