Luke Kuechly's Thanksgiving Day feast in Dallas has earned him another honor.
The Carolina Panthers linebacker was on Wednesday named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Kuechly made seven tackles and intercepted Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo twice in Carolina's 33-14 win. Kuechly, who returned the second pick for a 32-yard touchdown, became the first player since 1997 with interceptions on consecutive plays from scrimmage.
This is Kuechly's fourth Player of the Week Award, but his first since December 2013 when he broke the franchise record for most such awards for a linebacker.
Kuechly could pick his first Player of the Month award when November's are announced on Thursday. In Carolina's five November wins, Kuechly piled up 43 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
The Panthers may win multiple Player of the Month Awards for the first time in team history. Quarterback Cam Newton is a decent bet on the offensive side after totaling 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions while leading the Panthers to the NFL's lone 11-0 record.
Bill, can you find out if this is an NFL first?
We’ve had players from three different levels of our defense win DPoW this season.
We’ve had the DBs – Josh
We’ve had the Dline – KK
and now the LBs – Luke
Has there EVER been a team that’s had players from all 3 levels of its defense win DPoW awards in the same season?
Luke “NFC Defensive Player of the Wuechly”