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

Charlotte Hornets guard Marcus Garrett (28) and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) fight for a loose ball during the second half in an NBA basketball game at State Farm Arena, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Atlanta. Atlanta Hawks won 123-110 over Charlotte Hornets. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Hawks guard Dyson Daniels wins second Defensive Player of Month award

What the Falcons can learn from top AFC pass-rush teams

For most of the past decade, the Falcons have been near or at the bottom of the NFL annually in rushing the passer. Constructing a pass rush is a major offseason project.

Leonard Floyd brought his mother to tears of joy by signing with the Falcons

Floyd, who signed a one-year, $10 million with the Falcons in free agency, has stayed grounded in his home state over his NFL career after being a standout at Georgia.

The Latest

Falcons Owner Arthur Blank waves to the fans as he enters the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses his hourlong phone call with Kirk Cousins

Falcons still searching for solutions to Kirk Cousins situation

What the Falcons can learn from top AFC pass-rush teams

Featured

People join a rally in support for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025, at the Atlanta headquarters after federal cuts triggered significant layoffs. (Photo: Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Mass layoffs underway at Atlanta-based CDC

Public health experts say the CDC cuts could represent generational damage to health research and the elimination of infectious diseases.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses his hourlong phone call with Kirk Cousins

“I had a long and impactful conversation with him,” the Atlanta Falcons owner said at the NFL annual meeting on Tuesday.

Atlanta rapper Young Scooter died after cutting leg on wood fence, medical examiner says

New details still have investigators asking questions about the death of the rapper, who police say died after falling while running from officers responding to a 911 call.

56m ago