Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap’s frustration spilled over to the sideline at the closing moments of Sunday’s 37-34 loss.
Dunlap got into a verbal altercation with members of the Bengals’ defensive coaching staff at the conclusion of the team’s Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals defensive end has seen his playing time dip drastically since Week 5. Dunlap is frustrated that he is no longer starting, and his snap count is dwindling. He played in 12 snaps on Sunday, mostly as a third-down specialist.
“We just handle that internally,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “We (have) a group of guys in the locker room who want so badly to do things the right way and get this to where we want to be. That’s who we put our focus on.”
Download the Cincinnati.com Sports App
Doc:No sympathy for the Cincinnati Bengals
‘I thought we had them’:Bengals’ defense spoils Burrow’s big day
Analysis:What we learned from Bengals’ Week 7 loss
Joe Burrow:The bright spot in an increasingly dim Bengals season
Reactions:Bengals find another way to lose against Browns
During the Bengals’ postgame press conference, the 31 year old posted on social media that his Cincinnati-area home is up for sale:
“6000 sqft city view with huge balcony. 4 bedroom. 4.5 bathroom. In one of the best school districts for sale. Do your market analysis and make me offer. Serious inquiries only with proof of funds!
“Owner is willing to sell furnished or unfurnished!”
Dunlap has voiced his displeasure on social media multiple times this month. Some of Dunlap’s teammates are in disagreement with the way he’s handled his demotion. Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd posted “sucka sh**” in response to Dunlap’s property listing social media post.
Many would prefer that Dunlap handle his dissatisfaction internally in the locker room.
“I know a lot of the people are frustrated with whatever is going on, but at the end of the day we’re a family, so we’ve got to keep all of this in house,” Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green said.
Bengals running back Giovani Bernard also lamented how the ordeal has transpired.
“It’s just one of those situations that’s unfortunate because we know the type of player he is and he brings what he can do on the field, he’s a gifted athlete,” Bernard said. “But the thing is it’s tough to talk about. It’s a situation he is going to have to handle, but I’ve always been the type of the person, and a lot of the guys in the locker room have been this way, is we can only worry about the guys that want to be here, the guys that want to take care of business and do it the right way.”
Dunlap, in his 11th season with the Bengals, is one sack away from trying Eddie Edwards mark of 83.5 sacks for the franchise’s all-time lead. It’s looking more and more unlikely that he’ll be able to achieve the record. The Bengals coaching staff is electing to barely play the pass rusher and the coaches appear content with their decision.
The NFL’s trade deadline is on Nov. 3. Will Cincinnati trade the two-time Pro Bowler? A split might be best for both parties at this point.
