HOUSTON – Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the fourth time in his career and second time this season after leading Houston to a 23-7 victory over Cleveland in Week 11.
Watt starred on defense and recorded a strip-sack of Browns QB Brian Hoyer, his league-leading fourth fumble recovery of the season at the Houston 22-yard line in the second quarter, a season-best tying three tackles for loss and five tackles. Watt now has seven career games with at least one sack and one fumble recovery.
Watt's impact was felt on the offensive side of the ball when he hauled in a 2-yard touchdown
reception, his second receiving touchdown of the year and fourth touchdown overall. Watt is the first defensive lineman since 1948 to have four touchdowns in a season. New York Giants DE Ray Poole and Los Angeles Rams DE Jack Zilly both had four overall touchdowns in 1948.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Watt became the first player since Chicago Bears DB J.C. Caroline in 1956 to score multiple touchdowns on offense and defense in the same season.
Watt was also named AFC Player of the Week in Week 4. The fourth-year pro registered his first career regular season interception and interception return for touchdown, a career-best nine quarterback hits, a pass defensed and five tackles against Buffalo on Sept. 28.
In addition, Watt was named AFC Player of the Week twice in his AP Defensive Player of the Year campaign in 2012. In Week 3 against Denver, Watt sacked Peyton Manning 2.5 times and led the defense with 10 tackles. In Week 15 against Indianapolis, Watt sacked Andrew Luck three times for a total loss of 22 yards, tallied 13 tackles and forced a fumble.
