Vikings Rookie Linebacker Anthony Barr Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Following a game-winning play in the 19-13 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

In the game, Barr recorded 8 tackles, a sack, and the combination of a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and return for a touchdown on the first play of overtime to secure the win. This play marked the fourth time in NFL history that a player has returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown in overtime. It was the first overtime defensive touchdown in Vikings history.

Barr becomes the first defensive player to win the award since Antoine Winfield in 2010, following his week 16 performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. Furthermore, Barr is the first defensive rookie to win the award since Cedric Griffin in 2006.

The ninth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft leads all rookies with 3 sacks and is tied in the league for most fumble recoveries this season with a total of 3 so far. He also joins some elite names at linebacker to win NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Barr joins the likes of DeMarcus Ware (2005), Clay Matthews (2009), and Luke Kuechly (2012).