The NFL usually hands out player of the week awards to players on winning teams. But an exception can be made for a wide receiver who catches 21 passes in one game.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall has been named the AFC offensive player of the week after catching an NFL-record 21 passes in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Marshall, who broke Terrell Owens’ previous league record of 20 catches in a game, now has two of the four highest single-game receiving totals in league history. He also caught 18 passes in a game against the Chargers last year, which is tied for third all-time. Marshall was also named AFC offensive player of the week after that game against the Chargers.
Marshall is the Broncos’ fifth player of the week recipient in 2009. Cornerback Champ Bailey has a defensive player of the week award, quarterback Kyle Orton has an offensive player of the week award and returner Eddie Royal and kicker Matt Prater both have special teams player of the week awards.