A pair of upsets on Sunday triggered two unlikely names to take home NFL Players of the Week honors on the defensive side of the ball. Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons showed out in his team’s shocking 24-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, while Carolina Panthers LB Frankie Luvu was flying around the football field against the Houston Texans.
Simmons spelled trouble for the usually electric Kansas City defense, while Luvu stacked the box score in the Panthers’ narrow 15-13 victory in Week 8.
Denver Broncos Safety Justin Simmons: Turnover Machine on Sunday
Justin Simmons tallied two tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery in Week 8. The safety picked off Kansas City Chiefs megastar Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter, extinguishing any hope for the opposing team to mount a comeback. His fumble recovery also led to a Broncos scoring drive. Simmons also played on every snap on defense.
The Baltimore Ravens’ Michael Pierce also put together a performance worthy of Players of the Week honors on defense. The nose tackle had four tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in a 31-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Carolina Panthers LB Frankie Luvu: NFL Players of the Week Award Heads to Carolina After Team’s First Win
The Carolina Panthers’ Frankie Luvu earned NFL Players of the Week honors (defensive) in the NFC after his team won their first game against the Houston Texans. The Washington State product led the Panthers in tackles, assists, and sacks.
The New York Giants also had a pair of pass rushers vying for recognition in Week 8. Kayvon Thibodeaux has a field day against a poor New York Jets passing attack, totaling three sacks, while Dexter Lawrence also accounted for a sack. However, the Giants lost 13-10 in overtime.
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