The NFL announced today Houston Texans LB DeMeco Ryans was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week, becoming the first defensive rookie
to capture the award this season.
Ryans, (6-1, 239), finished Sunday's 23-14 win over
Ryans shared a tackle with SS Glenn Earl on the second play of the game, then proceeded to have 14 solo tackles during the rest of the game. Midway through the first quarter, Ryans shot through a gap to sack Raiders QB Aaron Brooks. The Texans defense would sack Brooks five times on the afternoon.
With the game tied at 14 going into the fourth quarter, Ryans secured the Texans win with a trio of big plays. The Raiders were forced to punt on their first drive.
Ryans, the Texans' second-round pick from the
The Texans now have seven players who have picked up AFC Player of the Week honors and second this year as WR Andre Johnson captured the Week 4 offensive award. Ryans is the second Texan rookie to be recognized. WR Jerome Mathis won the special teams award last season when he returned five kickoffs for 177 yards against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Ryans becomes the second Texans defender to win this award. CB Aaron Glenn was the Week 14 recipient in 2002 when he returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the Texans' 24-6 win over
Texans AFC Player of the Week Award Winners
Player Award Week Year
Aaron Glenn Defensive 14 2002
Avion Black Special Teams 15 2002
2003
Kris Brown Special Teams 3 2004
Jerome Mathis Special Teams 8 2005
Andre Johnson Offensive 4 2006
DeMeco Ryans Defensive 13 2006
