Even though they routed the Eagles 42-7 last Sunday, the Giants didn’t make the playoffs.
Safety Stevie Brown got a small consolation prize on Wednesday when he was named the NFC defensive player of the week for Week 17. Brown had six tackles and an interception that ended the Eagles’ first drive of the day and set the Giants up for their first score of the game.
It’s the second time that Brown was named the NFC defensive player of the week this year and he ended the year tied for second in the NFL with eight interceptions. Brown saw a lot of playing time because of injuries to Kenny Phillips and his play may have an impact on what the Giants decide to do with Phillips heading into next season. He’s been very good when healthy, but he’s missed huge chunks of time in two of the last three seasons and Brown’s play could lead them to move on without Phillips.
Brown is one of three players to win two defensive player of the week awards this season, joining Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Bears cornerback Charles Tillman.