ON THE FALCONS BEAT
ON THE FALCONS BEAT

Trufant named NFC defensive player of the week

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) celebrates his interception with cornerback Brian Poole (34) in the second quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) celebrates his interception with cornerback Brian Poole (34) in the second quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
By
Sept 20, 2017

Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant was named the NFC defensive player of the week on Wednesday after getting two game-changing turnovers against the Packers.

“It was definitely an honor,” Trufant said. “But I can’t do it without the team. The coaches put me in great spots. I just bring the energy. Bring the life.”

Trufant made a spectacular interception with 54 seconds left in the second quarter. The Falcons turned the pick into a touchdown and took a commanding 24-7 halftime lead.

Trufant was not done.

After defensive end Vic Beasley splattered Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers early in the third quarter, Trufant scooped up the fumble and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown and a 31-7 lead.

Trufant joins Deion Sanders, Ray Buchanan and Brent Grimes as the only Falcons cornerbacks to win defensive player of the week.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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