Falcons’ Troy Andersen named defensive player of the week

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen, who had 16 tackles and returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown in Sunday’s win over the Saints, was named the NFC defensive player of the week by the NFL on Wednesday.

Andersen, who injured his knee with 3:57 to play on special teams, made double-digit tackles in consecutive games for the first time in his career.

His pick-six was his first career touchdown, making him one of six Falcons linebackers to return an interception for a touchdown since 2000 and the first since Lorenzo Carter on Oct. 30, 2022 against Carolina.

Falcons safety Jessie Bates won the award after a Week 2 win over the Eagles.

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