In a showdown against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Antoine Winfield Jr. shone brightly, capturing the attention of the league and rightfully earning the distinguished title of NFC Player of the Week.
Winfield’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, painting an impressive stat line that showcased his exceptional skills on the field. Leading his team with eight tackles, a sack, an interception, a quarterback hit, two tackles for loss, and three passes defensed, Winfield left an indelible mark on the game. His display was a rare feat not witnessed since Kansas City’s L’Jarius Sneed accomplished a similar combination back in 2020.
This accolade marks Winfield’s inaugural Player of the Week award, an honor that beautifully complements his earlier recognition as the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month back in September 2020.
Adding to his remarkable achievements, Winfield joins an elite league of extraordinary players, becoming the first since Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt in 2019 to merge at least three forced fumbles, at least three fumble recoveries, at least two interceptions, and at least two sacks in a single season. Notably, he is the first defensive back in over two decades to achieve this remarkable feat, a feat previously mastered by the likes of Brian Dawkins and Roy Williams in the distant year of 2002.
A big game on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers has been seen by the league, with Antoine Winfield Jr. being named NFC Player of the week.
Winfield filled up his stat line with a team-leading eight tackles plus a sack, an interception, a quarterback hit, two tackles for loss and three passes defensed. He was the first player since Kansas City’s L’Jarius Sneed in 2020 to combine a sack, an interception and at least three passes defensed in a single game.
It is Winfield’s first Player of the Week award, though he also earned NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month honors in September of 2020.
He is the first player since Pittsburgh edge rusher T.J. Watt in 2019 to combine at least three forced fumbles, at least three fumble recoveries, at least two interceptions and at least two sacks in a single season. He is the first defensive back to do so in more than two decades; it was last accomplished by Brian Dawkins and Roy Williams in 2002.
