Cincinnati Bengals Week 5 Stock Report

It's hard to find fault with the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals. 

The team just took care of business against the Kansas City Chiefs in 36-21 fashion. Andy Dalton once again impressed behind one of the league's best offensive lines, and most of his weapons got in on the action.

If there was a negative takeaway from the performance, it would be the defense's inability to get a stop in between the 20-yard lines. Kansas City scored seven times, although each score was a field goal.

Within, let's take a look at where the notable stock movers sit for the Bengals as the team preps for an encounter with the Seattle Seahawks Sunday.

Stock Up: Domata Peko

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Domata Peko recorded two sacks in Week 4.

It's going to sound cliche, but Domata Peko looked like a different player this past weekend.

In no way known for his ability to rush the passer (he recorded one sack last season and no more than three in 10 years as a pro), Peko exploded for two sacks against the Chiefs.

"We knew with Alex Smith, he kind of panics like any quarterback when he gets pressure in his face," Peko said, per the Associated Press (via FoxSports.com). "Alex Smith was on his back a lot today, and that was a key thing."

Peko takes heat most weeks for his struggles, but he took advantage of a weak offensive line and put on some slick moves to make a difference Sunday. If it's a sign of things to come from the veteran, especially on a line this deep, it's bad news for the rest of Cincinnati's schedule.

Stock Down: Marvin Jones

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Marvin Jones faded in Week 4, although it isn't a cause for concern.

On a day some figured Marvin Jones would have a major performance, Dalton instead looked elsewhere.

In theory, Jones was going to see plenty of work against the Chiefs, who got top corner Sean Smith back. He would, again in theory, make Dalton look away from A.J. Green.

Instead of Jones acting as the surprise performer, though, it was Mohamed Sanu leading the team in receiving with four catches for 84 yards. Green was close behind with seven for 82. Tyler Eifert caught three for 69, and even Brandon Tate got in on the action with a 56-yard catch that went for a score.

Jones had one catch for four yards.

The performance isn't the end of the world for Jones, nor is it a sign of his ability. Sometimes, games just flow away from a player, and on an offense this deep, these things will happen to a player of Jones' talent from time to time.

Stock Up: Darqueze Dennard

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Darqueze Dennard stepped up big in the face of injuries last weekend.

Both starting corners Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones dealt with injuries Sunday against the Chiefs, so it was up to Darqueze Dennard to enter the game and help shut down an efficient passing attack.

Dennard rose to the occasion and finished with a positive grade over at Pro Football Focus. There were a few notable lapses, such as when Alex Smith was able to drop a pass in over his head while his back was turned, but it was otherwise what the team expected from a former first-round pick.

There's a big difference between expecting it and getting it, though, so Dennard's performance was an encouraging sign if the team has to lean on him more moving forward while injuries take time to heal.

Stock Down: A.J. Hawk

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A.J. Hawk hasn't seen the field much despite the team's tackling woes.

Perhaps the defense's biggest issue Sunday?

Tackling.

Again.

It's an interesting issue, especially with A.J. Hawk mostly riding the pine. He was one of the team's notable additions this past offseason and a guy who has 634 total tackles in 10 seasons to his name.

Yet Hawk doesn't seem to get much attention from the coaching staff and suited up for just seven snaps against the Chiefs, per PFF, a far cry from the 39 he played in Week 3. Meanwhile, Vincent Rey lined up on the strong side and played special teams on the way to 75 snaps.

Hawk has yet to see meaningful playing time. If struggles persist, he might see more, but for now his stock's down.

Stock Up: Giovani Bernard

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Giovani Bernard continues to play his way into more snaps by the week.

When Jeremy Hill opened up last Sunday's scoring with an eight-yard scamper, it seemed to spell the end of two weeks' worth of struggles for the lead back and send Giovani Bernard back to a complementary role at best. 

Wrong.

While Hill ended up scoring three times, Bernard led the team in carries with 13, which he turned into 62 yards and a score. Instead of having his role reduced within the offense, Bernard played his to perfection and at a frequent pitch.

Bernard's stock was already up after a pair of strong performances while Hill dealt with issues. But to see him play a vital role in the offense with Hill on fire is nothing short of a good sign.

It took a year longer than most would have thought, but the Bengals have a true committee in the backfield.

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and are accurate as of October 6. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.