San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers DE Bryant Young was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday by the National Football League for his performance in the 49ers, 28-25, victory over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. Young, who made the switch from defensive tackle to defensive end in the 49ers new 3-4 defense, paced the 49ers with three of San Francisco’s seven sacks. His three first half sacks, tied a career-high set coincidentally against St. Louis (10-6-96). Young’s three sacks also matched his output from 2004 and was his 18th career multiple sack game. The last player to notch three sacks on opening day was Kenard Lang of the Cleveland Browns (9-12-04) vs. Baltimore.
The award marks the third time that Young has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He earned the award in Week 6 of the 1996 season for the first time after registering five solo tackles and three sacks at St. Louis (10-6) and then earned his second award in Week 14 of the 1999 season after recording two sacks and a safety vs. Atlanta (12-12).
Last season the 49ers had one player that earned NFC Player of the Week honors when QB Tim Ratty was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after passing for 417 yards in a 31-28 overtime win vs. Arizona (10-10).
