Deion Jones named NFC defensive player of the week

The Atlanta Falcons celebrate in the end zone after linebacker Deion Jones intercepted a Jameis Winston pass and ran in back for a touchdown to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-22 in overtime Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates after intercepting Jameis Winston and returning it for a touchdown to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-22 in overtime Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Falcons offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (74) celebrates scoring a 35-yard touchdown in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. It was the longest offensive touchdown scored by a player listed 300 or more pounds in NFL history.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is sacked by the Buccaneers' Vita Vea during the first half of the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones stretches for a first down after a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons celebrate with Ty Sambrailo (74) after scoring a touchdown in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The 311-pound offensive lineman's 35-yard touchdown reception set an NFL record.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn watches on during the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

The Atlanta Falcons line up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Tampa Bay's Breshad Perriman (19) makes a catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber is upended by the Falcons' De'Vondre Campbell in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones makes a catch in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage can't quite reach the intended pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons' Damontae Kazee (27) and Isaiah Oliver (26) tackle Tampa Bay's Breshad Perriman after a reception during the first half in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Tampa Bay's Peyton Barber is tackled by Atlanta's De'Vondre Campbell (59) during the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan passes during against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Tamp Bays' Ronald Jones (27) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons tight end Austin Hooper makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan scrambles during against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Ryan was sacked six times.

Falcons running back Devonta Freeman rushes during against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular season finale Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Freeman finished the season with just under 600 yards rushing.

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The Atlanta Falcons celebrate in the end zone after linebacker Deion Jones intercepted a Jameis Winston pass and ran in back for a touchdown to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-22 in overtime Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

Dec 31, 2019

Falcons linebacker Deion Jones, who had a walk-off interception returned for a touchdown against the Buccaneers in overtime Sunday, was named the NFC’s defensive player of the week Tuesday.

Jones' touchdown gave the Falcons a 28-22 victory and earned second place in the NFC South.

DEION JONES. PICK-6 FOR THE WIN. #ATLvsTB pic.twitter.com/8pKNOa0jHs
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2019

Jones also recovered a fumble that led to a field goal.

The pick-six was the fourth of Jones’ career.

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About the Author

D. Orlando Ledbetter

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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