After playing a critical role in securing a 28-22 victory for the Atlanta Falcons in their season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Deion Jones has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Jones picked off Jameis Winston on the first play of overtime and returned the interception 27 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Earlier in the game, Jones recovered a fumble that led to a field goal and a 10-0 lead.
One of the best young coverage linebackers in the league, Jones has bounced back from a foot injury that cost him 10 games in 2018 to put together his second-best statistical season. Jones finished the year with 110 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, five pass defenses and forced two turnovers.
This is the second time in his career that Jones has been recognized as the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week. Jones also earned the award after his performance against the New Orleans Saints in 2017, which also included a game-winning interception.
