First rookie to win defensive award

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 Oakland with 15 tackles (14 solo), an interception, a fumble recovery, a sack, a forced fumble and three passes defensed.  Ryans became the first player in the NFL this season to record double-digit tackles, a sack, interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery in one game. 

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.  Oakland ’s next drive was halted when Ryans pounced on a fumble that the Texans turned into three points and a 20-14 lead.  On the next drive, Ryans forced a fumble that was recovered by fellow linebacker Morlon Greenwood that turned into points for Houston . On the Raiders’ final drive, the rookie picked off Brooks at the one-yard line to seal the Texans win.  

Ryans, the Texans’ second-round pick from the University of Alabama , continues to impress as a rookie.  He leads the NFL with 97 solo tackles and is second with 114 tackles.  His 9.5 tackles per game is second-best in the league.  He is third on the Texans with 3.5 sacks and leads the team with nine QB hurries.  He has six double-digit tackle performances this season. 

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 Pittsburgh .