Three weeks after getting benched, Kurt Coleman has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Coleman, benched during the Giants game after missing a tackle that turned a short Victor Cruz catch into a 74-yard touchdown, got his job back last week and responded with a franchise-record-tying three interceptions in the Eagles 20-13 win over the Redskins in Landover, Md.
Coleman, a second-year pro from Ohio State, became the first Eagle with three interceptions in a game since Joe Scarpati in 1964, and he did it in his eighth career start.
Im a competitor, and I know what I am capable of doing out there, but the first three games I wasnt getting it done and that was apparent, Coleman said. And I think it was a humbling experience. I just worked my butt off the last couple weeks, so now I have the opportunity to make the best of it.
My goal is to have three interceptions every game. I want to continue to build on that.
Coleman is the Eagles first NFC Defensive Player of the Week in three years, since Chris Clemons received the honor after returning a fumble 73 yards for a touchdown in the Eagles playoff-clinching 44-6 win over the Cowboys in 2008.
The last Eagles defensive back to receive the honor was Brian Dawkins for his performance against the Steelers in September 2008.
NFL
Others whove won the defensive honor since Andy Reid became head coach: Lito Sheppard (Cowboys, 2006; Cowboys, 2007; Panthers, 2004), Dawkins (Texans, 2002; Giants, 2006), Jeremiah Trotter (Chargers, 2005), Derrick Burgess (2004, Falcons), Sheldon Brown (Cowboys, 2004), Bobby Taylor (Falcons, 2002), Ndukwe Kalu (Rams, 2002), Damon Moore (Buccaneers, 2001), Hugh Douglas (Buccaneers, 2000) and Mike Mamula (Patriots, 1999).
Earlier winners: Rhett Hall (Cowboys, 1997), William Fuller (Cards, 1996), Ray Farmer (Giants, 1996), William Thomas (Giants, 1996), Andy Harmon (Redskins, 1995), Mamula (Giants, 1995), Taylor (Cowboys, 1995), Thomas (Cards, 1995), Eric Allen (Jets, 49ers, 1993), Seth Joyner (Oilers 1991; Cards, Redskins, 1992), Clyde Simmons (Cards, 1987; Cowboys, 1991), Reggie White (Cowboys, 1986; Cowboys, 1988; Packers, 1991), Jerome Brown (Rams, 1988; Cards, 1989), Andre Waters (Raiders, 1986), Garry Cobb (Falcons, 1986), Wes Hopkins (Redskins, 1985) and Kenny Clarke (Colts, 1984).
E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com