NFL 2013 Week 5: AFC Players of the Week

Quarterback Geno Smith of the New York Jets, safety Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders and punt returner Travis Benjamin of the Cleveland Browns are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fifth week of the 2013 season (October 3, 6-7), the NFL announced today.

Offense: QB Geno Smith, New York Jets

Smith completed 16 of 20 passes (80 percent) for 199 yards with three touchdowns versus zero interceptions and a 147.7 passer rating in the Jets' 30-28 win at Atlanta on Monday Night Football.

Smith's 147.7 passer rating was a single-game best in the NFL in 2013.

Smith completed 80 percent of his passes with three touchdowns against Atlanta for the second-highest completion percentage by any rookie in a three-TD game in NFL history.

Became the second rookie quarterback ever to win on the road on Monday Night Football (ED RUBBERT with Redskins in 1987).

In his rookie season from West Virginia, this is Smith's first AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. He is the first Jets quarterback to win the award since MARK SANCHEZ in 2010 (Week 11).

He is the first Jets rookie to win Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Defense: S Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders

Woodson registered four tackles, one interception, one pass defensed and returned a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown in the Raiders' 27-17 win over San Diego.

Woodson now has 13 combined return touchdowns off of turnovers (11 interceptions and two fumble recoveries), tying DARREN SHARPER and Pro Football Hall of Famer ROD WOODSON for the most in NFL history.

With :53 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Woodson sealed the victory when he intercepted Chargers quarterback PHILIP RIVERS at the Raiders' 16. Woodson posted his 18th career interception as a Raider.

Played a pivotal role for a Raiders defense that forced five takeaways (three interceptions, two fumble recoveries).

In his 16th season from Michigan, this is Woodson's fifth career Defensive Player of the Week Award. He most recently won the award in 2010 (Week 4) with the Green Bay Packers. This is Woodson's first Defensive Player of the Week award with the Raiders.

Special Teams: PR Travis Benjamin, Cleveland Browns

Benjamin returned seven punts for 179 yards (25.6 average), including a 79-yard touchdown in the Browns' 37-24 win over Buffalo.

His 179 punt return yards were the most in a single-game in Browns history.

Recorded a 57-yard punt-return in the first quarter, setting up a 30-yard field goal by Browns kicker BILLY CUNDIFF.

His 25.6 PR average against Buffalo is the highest by any NFL player in a game this season (minimum five attempts). He is the only NFL player with two 50-yard punt returns in a contest this season.

Through Week 5, Benjamin ranks second in the NFL with a 15.1-yard punt-return average.

In his second season from the University of Miami, this is Benjamin's second Special Teams Player of the Week Award. He previously won the award in 2012 (Week 14).

He joins punter SPENCER LANNING as the second Browns player to win Special Teams Player of the Week honors in 2013.

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
Wk 5QB Geno Smith, JetsS Charles Woodson, OaklandPR Travis Benjamin, Cleveland

 

Other nominees for AFC Offensive Player of Week 5 as submitted by AFC clubs

Kansas City running back JAMAAL CHARLES, who rushed for 108 yards on 22 carries with one touchdown in the Chiefs' 26-17 win at Tennessee.

Indianapolis wide receiver T.Y. HILTON, who had five receptions for 140 yards (28 average) with two touchdowns in the Colts' 34-28 win over Seattle.

Denver quarterback PEYTON MANNING, who completed 33 of 42 passes (78.6 percent) for 414 yards with four touchdowns versus one interception and a 129.6 passer rating in the Broncos' 51-48 win at Dallas. Manning also rushed for one touchdown.

Oakland quarterback TERRELLE PRYOR, who completed 18 of 23 passes (78.3 percent) for 221 yards with two touchdowns versus zero interceptions and a 135.7 passer rating.

Denver tight end JULIUS THOMAS, who had nine receptions for 122 yards (13.6 average) with two touchdowns.

Baltimore wide receiver TORREY SMITH, who had six receptions for 121 yards (20.2 average) in the Ravens' 26-23 win at Miami.

Other nominees for AFC Defensive Player of Week 5 as submitted by AFC clubs

Cincinnati defensive end WALLACE GILBERRY, who had four tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in the Bengals' 13-6 win over New England.

Indianapolis linebacker ROBERT MATHIS, who posted six tackles, two sacks, one pass defensed and forced one fumble.

Denver linebacker DANNY TREVATHAN, who had five tackles, one interception and one pass defensed.

Baltimore linebacker TERRELL SUGGS, who posted five tackles and three sacks.

Cleveland safety T.J. WARD, who posted five tackles, one pass defensed and a 44-yard interception-return touchdown.

New York Jets defensive end MUHAMMAD WILKERSON, who seven tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

Other nominees for AFC Special Teams Player of Week 5 as submitted by AFC clubs

New York Jets kicker NICK FOLK, who made all three field goals (22, 36, 43).

Indianapolis safety DELANO HOWELL, who returned a blocked field goal for a 61 yard-TD.

Denver kicker MATT PRATER, who made all three field goals (48, 50, 28).

Baltimore kicker JUSTIN TUCKER, who made four field goals (42, 50, 25, 44).

Kansas City kicker RYAN SUCCOP, who made four field goals (29, 24, 33, 48).

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NFL 2013 Week 5: AFC Players of the Week