Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver/returner Devin Hester were honored as NFC Players of the Week Wednesday.
Ryan was named the Offensive Player of the Week after he went 21-for-24 for 286 yards and three touchdowns in Thursday’s 56-14 win over the Buccaneers. Ryan had a career high 155.9 passer rating and 87.5 completion percentage, both single-game franchise records. Ryan previously shared the club record for completion percentage with Steve Bartkowski at 85.7.
It is the sixth time in his career and second time this season that Ryan has won the award.
“It’s a nice honor any time you get recognized but, we talk about it all the time, I think it’s a collective group effort any time anyone gets an honor,” Ryan said.
Hester was honored as the Special Teams Player of the Week. He broke Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Falcon cornerback Deion Sanders’ NFL record for return touchdowns with his 20th on a 62-yard punt return touchdown in the second quarter against the Buccaneers. Hester has returned 14 punts, five kickoffs, and one missed field goal for touchdowns. His 14 punt returns are also an NFL record. Hester also became the second player in NFL history to have a rushing, receiving, kick return, punt return, and missed field goal return touchdowns in his career, joining Timmy Brown (1959-68).
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