Kirkpatrick named AFC Defensive Player of Week

Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Monday night's 37-28 victory against Denver, when he intercepted Peyton Manning twice, returning one 30 yards for a game-clinching touchdown.

The third-year pro also led the Bengals with two special team tackles to win the first weekly honor of his career.

“Dre has had a tough start to his career, and he’s had to show some patience,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. “He had some injuries and had trouble gaining a foothold. But this season, he’s made the best of every opportunity he’s had. He has excelled on special teams, he’s excelled now on defense when he gets chances, and he’s just got to keep growing. He came through against the Broncos in a big football game.”

Kirkpatrick is the second Bengal this season to win an NFL weekly or monthly award. Rookie HB Jeremy Hill won the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award for his Week 15 performance at Cleveland. The last Bengal to win the weekly defensive award was linebacker Vontaze Burfict in Week 11 of 2013 vs. Cleveland.

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Jay Morrison