No surprise: Clayborn named NFC Defensive Player of Week
This will come as little surprise, but Adrian Clayborn was awarded the NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.
The Falcons defensive end recorded a franchise record six sacks in a victory over the Cowboys on Sunday in Week 10.
Clayborn is the fourth player to record six or more sacks in an NFL game since the it became an official statistic in 1982. He is the first player to have six sacks since the Giants’ Osi Umenyiora against the Eagles in 2007.
"You always envision it," Clayborn said after the game. "I was finally in my groove."
The Falcons previous single-game sack record was five held by Claude Humphrey (twice) and Chuck Smith.
Clayborn has forced two fumbles and recovered one in the Falcons’ 27-7 win.
Clayborn has eight sacks on the season, a mark that triggered a $750,000 bonus in his contract.
Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant was named the NFC Defensive Player in Week 2.
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
