Former Tiger Vic Beasley Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) hits Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

ATLANTA (WSB) – Falcons’ linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Atlanta’s 42-14 victory Sunday over the Los Angeles Rams.

Beasley Jr. became the first Falcon and 10th NFL player with three sacks and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown since sacks became an official stat in 1982. It was the first touchdown of Beasley’s NFL career.

Beasley is having a huge year. He’s tied for the league lead with 13.5 sacks, and leads the league with six forced fumbles.

Against the Rams, the Clemson University grad had six total pressures, but three of them were sacks, and one was the perfect pass-rushing trifecta of a sack, forced fumble and recovery for a touchdown.

The Falcons host the San Francisco 49ers Sunday at the Georgia Dome.