Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap today was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in last week's win vs. Indianapolis.
Dunlap had three tackles including a sack against the Colts, as well as the game's decisive play. With the Bengals down 23-17 with just over seven minutes left, Dunlap batted up a pass in the Indianapolis backfield, caught it when it came down, and then outran the pursuing Colts offensive players for 16-yard INT return for a TD and the game's final points in Cincinnati's 24-23 win. It was Dunlap's third career touchdown and his second pick-six.
Through seven games, in addition to that interception, Dunlap has 21 tackles (15 solo), two sacks, one forced fumble and an additional pass defensed. He has 59 sacks for his career, tied for third all-time in Bengals history with DE Ross Browner. He was named to his second Pro Bowl last season.
This is Dunlap's third AFC Player of the Week award. He also earned the defensive award in Week 13 of 2012 and the special teams award in Week 15 of 2015. He is one of just three current Bengals who have won multiple POW awards (QB Andy Dalton also has three, and DT Geno Atkins has two).
The most recent Bengal to win the defensive award was Atkins in Week 14 of last season.
Cincinnati Bengals host Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium in week 8 of the regular season.
