For his role in snapping the Patriots’ streak of winning home openers, Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Campbell had 10 tackles and two sacks in the Cardinals’ 20-18 win over the Patriots last Sunday, an effort that helped the Cardinals become the first team to beat the Patriots in their home opener since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002. It was also the first time in 26 home games that the Patriots were held under 20 points, which makes the effort all the more impressive by Campbell and his associates on the Arizona defense.
Campbell signed a new long-term deal with the Cardinals after they gave him their franchise tag at the start of the offseason. He’s helped the Cardinals get off to their first 2-0 start since the 2008 season. They wound up winning the NFC that season, something that seems like a tall order for them this year but, then, not too many people expected them to pull it off in 2008 either.
It’s the first time that Campbell has been so honored, although he was recognized for his special teams work after flashing his kick blocking skills in a win over the Jaguars.