Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in his career following his dominant performance in Houston's 23-17 win over Buffalo. Watt registered his first career regular season interception and interception return for touchdown, a career-best nine quarterback hits, a pass defensed and five tackles.
With Buffalo looking to cash in on a Texans' turnover to start the second half, Watt changed the complexion of the game when he intercepted Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. Watt's return ranks tied for sixth in NFL history amongst defensive linemen.
In addition, Watt became only the second player with an interception return for touchdown and a touchdown reception in the same season since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger (Texans Linebackers Coach Mike Vrabelachieved the feat in 2005 with the New England Patriots). Watt also became the first player in NFL history to have more than 35 career sacks and have a touchdown receiving and interception return for a touchdown in NFL history.
Coming into the game, no player had recorded more than eight quarterback hits through the first three weeks of the season combined. Watt had six quarterback hits in the first half, finished with nine and leads the league with 16 quarterback hits through the first quarter of the season.
Watt was named AFC Player of the Week twice in 2012. In Week 3 against Denver, Watt sacked Peyton Manning 2.5 times and led the defense with 10 tackles. In Week 15 against Indianapolis, Watt sacked Andrew Luck three times for a total loss of 22 yards, tallied 13 tackles and forced a fumble.
List of Texans AFC Player of the Week Award Winners:
Player                       Award                       Week             Year
J.J. Watt                  Defensive                   4                     2014
J.J. Watt                    Defensive                   15                   2012
Matt Schaub             Offensive                   11                   2012
J.J. Watt                    Defensive                   3                     2012
Arian Foster              Offensive                   7                     2011
Arian Foster              Offensive                   4                     2011
Glover Quin              Defensive                   12                   2010
Matt Schaub             Offensive                   6                     2010
Andre Johnson         Offensive                   2                     2010
Arian Foster              Offensive                   1                     2010
Brian Cushing           Defensive                   8                     2009
Brian Cushing           Defensive                   6                     2009
Jacoby Jones             Special Teams            4                     2009
Matt Schaub             Offensive                   2                     2009
Matt Schaub             Offensive                   14                   2008
Steve Slaton             Offensive                   13                   2008
Jacoby Jones             Special Teams            8                     2008
Jacoby Jones             Special Teams            6                     2008
André Davis             Special Teams            14                   2007
Kris Brown               Special Teams            5                     2007
Mario Williams         Defensive                   1                     2007
Kris Brown               Special Teams            16                   2006
DeMeco Ryans         Defensive                   13                   2006
Andre Johnson         Offensive                   4                     2006
Jerome Mathis          Special Teams            8                     2005
Kris Brown               Special Teams            3                     2004
Chad Stanley            Special Teams            9                     2003
Avion Black             Special Teams            15                   2002
Aaron Glenn             Defensive                   14                   2002
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