On Wednesday, the NFL recognized a pair of fresh faces by giving a couple of first-timers the Defensive Player of the Week Award in their respective conferences. Per NFL insider Ari Meirov, Houston Texans corner Derek Stingley Jr. and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. earned DPOTW honors for Week 13.
NFL Players of the Week (Week 13):
NFC:
O: #49ers WR Deebo Samuel
D: #Bucs S Antoine Winfield Jr
ST: #Lions LB Jalen Reeves-MaybinAFC:
O: #Bengals QB Jake Browning
D: #Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr.
ST: #Chargers P JK Scott— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 6, 2023
Winfield Jr. earned the recognition of AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career on Wednesday. However, his father, Antonie Winfield Sr., took home the honor twice during his storied career. Meanwhile, Derek Stingley Jr. is also a first-time recipient of the DPOTW award.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Safety Antoine Winfield Jr.: All Over the Field in Week 13 Win
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. earned himself NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his play last Sunday. The one-time Pro-Bowler had eight tackles, two TFLs, an interception, and a season-high three passes defended. He came up clutch late, intercepting Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young on the final defensive play for the Bucs in a clutch 21-18 win.
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw also played well in Week 13. He tallied two sacks in his team’s massive road win against the red-hot Philadephia Eagles.
Houston Texans S Derek Stingley Jr.: Soars to New Heights, Wins NFL’s AFC Defensive Player of the Week
Former first-round pick and Houston Texans safety Derek Stingley Jr. looked the part in his team’s 22-17 win over the Denver Broncos last Sunday. The 22-year-old registered the first multi-interception game of his career, intercepting Broncos gunslinger Russell Wilson twice. Stingley’s second interception was most impressive, jumping a deep route intended for wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Stingley Jr. has allowed just eight catches while snagging four interceptions in the last three weeks, per Pro Football Focus.
Meanwhile, Miami Dolphins standout linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel could have also won DPOTW honors in the AFC. The 28-year-old had five tackles and a pick-six in Week 13. Van Ginkel returned a Sam Howell pass 33 yards for a touchdown late in the first quarter for his third touchdown in his five-year NFL career.
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