This week’s AFC defensive player of the week is the same as last week’s AFC defensive player of the week.
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu won the honor again this week after he picked off a Carson Palmer pass and returned it for a touchdown in the Steelers’ 23-7 win over the Bengals.
“Troy had a tremendous break on the play,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “Whether or not he was baiting Carson is debatable. It was a route that he was familiar with. I think T.O. was the intended receiver, and may have tripped or stumbled coming out of his break. I think that provided the necessary grass that Troy needed to come down hill on the ball and make the play. But no question, Troy was in great position and he had a great break on the ball.”
Last week Polamalu received the honor for his game-changing strip-sack of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Polamalu has five player of the week awards in his career.