Rookie linebacker JONATHAN NEWSOME of the Indianapolis Colts was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for games played in the 17th week of the 2014 season (December 29), the NFL announced today.
DEFENSE: LB JONATHAN NEWSOME, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Newsome had six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in the Colts’ 27-10 win at Tennessee.
All six of his tackles came behind or within three yards of the line of scrimmage, including two sacks and two
stops for no gain.
With the Titans advancing inside the Colts’ five-yard line in the third quarter, Newsome’s sack-fumble helped limit
Tennessee to a field goal. His second sack came in the fourth quarter and resulted in a turnover on downs.
The performance marked Newsome’s third game with at least 1.5 sacks, the most of any NFL rookie this season.
His 6.5 sacks in 2014 were the most among AFC rookies.
The Colts limited Tennessee to 192 total net yards, the fewest allowed by any team in Week 17.
In his rookie season from Ball State, this is Newsome’s first career Player of the Week Award.
He is the first Colts rookie to win a Defensive Player of the Week Award since defensive end DWIGHT FREENEY
in 2002 (Week 10).
