Bengals: Dunlap turning up the heat

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap has been a key cog in the Bengals success in recent weeks, culminating in a stellar performance in Week 11.

Dunlap's season got off to a slow start. After one of his better early season performances against Atlanta in Week 2, where he generated six total quarterback pressures, he managed only six more over his next three games. Through Week 6, Dunlap had 15 total pressures on 186 snaps rushing the passer, giving him a 6.5 Pass Rushing Productivity (PRP) score, 28th out of 36 qualifying 4-3 defensive ends.

Dunlap has significantly ramped up his production over the last five games. Starting against Indy in Week 7, he’s recorded two sacks, nine QB hits and 22 total pressures, resulting in a PRP of 11.6 eighth-best among qualifying 4-3 DEs over that span. He was particularly disruptive in his last game against the Saints, wreaking havoc against both Zach Strief and Bryce Harris at right tackle. His +3.8 pass rush grade against the Saints was a season high, and the third-best score of the week.