NFL 2013 Week 4: AFC Players of the Week

Quarterback Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers, cornerback Alterraun Verner of the Tennessee Titans and punt returner-wide receiver Dexter McCluster of the Kansas City Chiefs are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fourth week of the 2013 NFL season.

Offense: QB Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Rivers completed 35 of 42 passes (83.3 percent) for 401 yards with three touchdowns versus one interception and a 120.3 passer rating in the Chargers' 30-21 win over Dallas.

Rivers' 83.3 completion percentage was the highest in NFL history for a player who attempted at least 40 passes. The previous high was set by JEFF GARCIA with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007 (82.2 percent, 37 of 45).

Registered his fifth-career game with 400+ passing yards and second of the season.

His 401 yards were an AFC-best and the third-most in the NFL in Week 4.

Through Week 4 of the NFL 2013 season, Rivers ranks second in the NFL in touchdowns (11) and passer rating (118.8).

In his 10th season from North Carolina State, this is Rivers' fifth Offensive Player of the Week award. He most recently won the award in Week 2.

Rivers (Week 2 and 4) and Peyton Manning (Week 1 and 3) are the only players to win multiple Offensive Player of the Week honors this season.

Defense: CB Alterraun Verner, Tennessee Titans

Verner recorded two tackles, a career-high two interceptions, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed in the Titans' 38-13 win over the New York Jets.

Verner's three takeaways resulted in 21 points by the Titans offense.

The game marked Verner's fourth consecutive game with at least one takeaway. He has totaled six takeaways this season (four interceptions, two fumble recoveries).

Through Week 4, Verner is tied for an NFL-best with four interceptions.

In his fourth season from UCLA, this is Verner's first career Defensive Player of the Week Award.

He is the first Titans cornerback to win the award since 2008 (CORTLAND FINNEGAN, Week 1).

Special Teams: PR Dexter McCluster, Kansas City Chiefs

McCluster returned four punts for 113 yards (28.3 average), including an 89-yard touchdown in the Chiefs' 31-7 win over the New York Giants.

McCluster's 89-yard punt return-touchdown is the longest in the NFL this season.

Registered his second PR-TD of career (94 yards vs. San Diego on 9/13/10).

His 89-yard return is the fourth-longest punt return in franchise history.

Helped the Chiefs become the second team in NFL history to start 4-0 after finishing the previous season with at least 14 losses (1980 Detroit).

In his fourth season from the University of Mississippi, this is McCluster's second Special Teams Player of the Week Award. He previously won the award in 2010 (Week 1).

2013 AFC Players Of The Week

Week Offense Defense Special Teams
Source: NFL
Wk 1QB Peyton Manning, DenverLB Justin Houston, Kansas CityK Nick Folk, New York Jets
Wk 2QB Philip Rivers, San DiegoDE Mario Williams, BuffaloPR-WR Trindon Holliday, Denver
Wk 3QB Peyton Manning, DenverLB Justin Houston, Kansas CityP Spencer Lanning, Cleveland Browns
Wk 4QB Philip Rivers, San DiegoCB Alterraun Verner, TennesseePR Dexter McCluster

 

Other nominees for AFC Offensive Player of Week 4 as submitted by AFC clubs

Cleveland tight end JORDAN CAMERON, who had 10 receptions for 91 yards (9.1 average) with one touchdown in the Browns' 17-6 win over Cincinnati.

New England wide receiver JULIAN EDELMAN, who had seven receptions for 118 yards (16.9 average) in the Patriots' 30-23 win at Atlanta.

Cleveland quarterback BRIAN HOYER, who completed 25 of 38 passes (65.8 percent) for 269 yards with two touchdowns versus zero interceptions and a 103.9 passer rating.

Denver quarterback PEYTON MANNING, who completed 28 of 34 passes (82.4 percent) for 327 yards with four touchdowns versus zero interceptions and a 146 passer rating in the Broncos' 52-20 win over Philadelphia.

New England rookie wide receiver KENBRELL THOMPKINS, who had six receptions for 127 yards (21.2 average) with one touchdown.

Indianapolis wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE, who had five receptions for 100 yards (20 average) with one touchdown in the Colts' 37-3 win at Jacksonville.

Other nominees for AFC Defensive Player of Week 4 as submitted by AFC clubs

Buffalo rookie linebacker KIKO ALONSO, who had five tackles, two interceptions and two passes defensed in the Bills' 23-20 win over Baltimore.

Indianapolis linebacker ROBERT MATHIS, who posted five tackles and three sacks.

Houston linebacker WHITNEY MERCILUS, who had six tackles and 2.5 sacks in the Texans' 23-20 overtime loss to Seattle.

Cleveland rookie linebacker BARKEVIOUS MINGO, who posted four tackles and one sack in his first NFL start.

New England cornerback AQIB TALIB, who posted two tackles, one interception and four passes defensed.

Denver linebacker DANNY TREVATHAN, who had 10 tackles.

San Diego safety ERIC WEDDLE, who posted six tackles and two passes defensed.

Other nominees for AFC Special Teams Player of Week 4 as submitted by AFC clubs

New England kicker STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, who made three field goals (48, 22, 49).

Denver kick returner TRINDON HOLLIDAY, who registered a 105-yard KR-TD.

Denver linebacker STEVEN JOHNSON, who blocked a punt and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown and added one special teams tackle.

Indianapolis kicker ADAM VINATIERI, who made all three field goals (22, 46, 28).

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NFL 2013 Week 4: AFC Players of the Week