Falcons LB Lofton named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Atlanta Falcons today announced today that linebacker Curtis Lofton has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week by the NFL.

Lofton recorded his first career touchdown and added 14 tackles (eight solo) with one tackle for loss in Atlanta's Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The third-year middle linebacker intercepted QB Josh Freeman and returned the pick 26 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. The interception was Lofton's second of the season and his third career pick. He finished the season with a career-high 167 total tackles (101), one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and seven passes defensed. He also anchored one of the NFL's best run defenses, as the Falcons ranked sixth in the NFL holding opponents to 97.0 yards per game on the ground.

This is Lofton's first career Player of the Week award. He joins QB Matt Ryan and DE John Abraham as the Falcons who have earned Player of the Week honors this season.