Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons’ Troy Andersen named defensive player of the week

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen (44) stops New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen (44) stops New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)
By
Oct 2, 2024

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.

ExploreMore AJC coverage of the Falcons

About the Author

D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. is the award-winning Atlanta Falcons beat writer for the newspaper and has been on the staff since 2003. D. Orlando strives to provide inside information into the Falcons and the NFL. He finds the most joy in providing insight into the team, coaching moves, offseason business moves, draft and games.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) is stopped short of a first down by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55), defensive tackle Kentavius Street (75) and defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) during the first half of an NFL football game In Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 between the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings. (Bob Andres for the Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Credit: Bob Andres

Falcons re-sign reserve defensive tackle Kentavius Street, two others

The Falcons lost starting defensive tackles Grady Jarrett to the Bears and Eddie Goldman to the Commanders in free agency.

A closer look at the Falcons’ major makeover of their defense in free agency

Mel Kiper says Mike Green to Falcons in NFL draft, but here’s why they will pass

Yes, the Falcons need pass rushers, but they also want players with the right "ethos.”

The Latest

Chicago Bears first-round draft pick Leonard Floyd poses for photos Friday, April 29, 2016, in Lake Forest, Ill. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT CHICAGO TRIBUNE; CHICAGO SUN-TIMES OUT; DAILY HERALD OUT; NORTHWEST HERALD OUT; THE HERALD-NEWS OUT; DAILY CHRONICLE OUT; THE TIMES OF NORTHWEST INDIANA OUT; TV OUT; MAGAZINES OUT; NO SALES

A closer look at the Falcons’ major makeover of their defense in free agency

Report: Falcons to sign return specialist

Jalen Milroe helped his draft status with strong Alabama Pro Day

Featured

Parents and students arrive for the first day of school at Harmony Elementary School in Buford on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

What Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Education Department means for Georgia

Although dissolving the U.S. Department of Education requires a vote from Congress, President Donald Trump's executive order requires the department to facilitate its closure.

Starz picks up doc about legendary Atlanta strip club Magic City

“Magic City: An American Fantasy” explores the club’s influence on hip-hop over the decades.

Here’s Braves’ projected opening-day roster, barring late surprises

In recent days, the Braves have thinned their camp roster.