Devon Kennard named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
The Giants' Devon Kennard looks on during training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., Wednesday, July 23, 2014. Credit: AP / Seth Wenig
Odell Beckham Jr. isn't the only rookie standout around here.
Linebacker Devon Kennard was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. He had two sacks, made six tackles and forced a fumble in Sunday's win over the Titans.
Kennard is the first Giants rookie to ever win Defensive Player of the Week.
His four sacks in the last two games make him the first Giants linebacker to have back-to-back games with two or more sacks since Jesse Armstead in 1999.
"What you are seeing is the production coming when he rushes the passer and that is just a matter of dialing up, whether you bring four or bring five or whatever," Tom Coughlin said. "He's maintaining his own at the line of scrimmage, he plays with power, he can shock you on contact, which we all observed. He's a guy that is not prone to missed assignments or anything of that nature. Loves to play, he is physical, so he has been the kind of things you are looking for."
Kennard may not be the last rookie to earn an honor this week. Running back Andre Williams is a nominee for the Pepsi Rookie of the Week Award following his best performance of the season. He carried 24 times for 131 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown run, and also caught three passes for 16 yards. The winner of that award will be announced on Friday.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
