Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, and Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson are the AFC Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 1, the league announced on Wednesday.
OFFENSE:
Walker led the league with 191 scrimmage yards (173 rushing, 18 receiving) in Week 1 and recorded two scrimmage touchdowns (1 rushing, 1 receiving) in Kansas City’s 31-10 win over Denver.
He became one of six running backs in NFL history to record at least 190 scrimmage yards, one rushing and one receiving touchdown in a Week 1 game.
DEFENSE:
Watt recorded four tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Steelers’ 20-13 victory over the Falcons. He is the first player in 20 seasons with multiple sacks and an interception return for a touchdown on Kickoff Weekend (Joey Porter, 2006).
Watt, who has 117 sacks and 10 interceptions in his career, joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers (159.5 sacks, 11 interceptions) as one of only two players with at least 100 sacks and 10 interceptions since 1982, when the sack became an individual statistic.
This is Watt’s ninth career Defensive Player of the Week award, tying Pro Football Hall of Famers Chris Doleman, Bruce Smith and Lawrence Taylor for the most ever.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
McPherson converted all four of his field-goal attempts (20, 32, 55 and 58 yards) in Cincinnati’s 33-27 win over Tampa Bay. He was the only kicker to make two field goals from 55 yards or more.
This is McPherson’s fifth Special Teams Player of the Week award, surpassing Doug Pelfrey for the most by a Bengals kicker.
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