FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in an Atlanta victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.
DeCoud, a second-year pro, intercepted the first two passes of his career against the Bears (Week 6) as the Falcons claimed a 21-14 win. His first pick off of Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler came on the Falcons 12-yard line, stalling a potential scoring drive. The second interception came in the second quarter and led to a Falcons touchdown on their ensuing offensive possession. DeCoud’s two picks marked the first multiple-interception game for a member of the Falcons defense since September 17, 2006 when DeAngelo Hall totaled two INTs against Tampa Bay.
DeCoud becomes the first player to garner defensive conference accolades since 2006 when both defensive end John Abraham (Week 1) and safety Lawyer Milloy (Week 13) earned the honor. The Falcons have now witnessed 23 players earn NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in franchise history, with the first coming in 1988.
