KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Rookie cornerback Marcus Peters totaled two interceptions, including one returned 90 yards for a touchdown, in the Chiefs’ 34-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15.
The NFL recognized his performance by naming Peters as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Dec. 20, 2015; Baltimore; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) celebrates after returning an interception 90 yards for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
“That was real big,” Peters said. “It was just some plays that I had to make so we could get a win. As far as getting Player of the Week, that’s big time, but I’ll take the win over that.”
Peters, who was also named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday night, continues an impressive rookie campaign.
He is the first Chiefs rookie to be named AFC Defensive Player of the Week since linebacker Tracy Simien did it in Week 14 of the 1991 season.
Peters’ 90-yard return against the Ravens is the second-longest interception return by a Chiefs rookie, and also ranks as the fifth-longest in team history.
Through 15 games, the Chiefs’ first-round pick (18th overall) in May’s NFL Draft ranks among the leaders in three major categories: Interceptions, interception yards and passes defensed.
Peters has seven interceptions totaling 234 yards and 23 passes defensed, which is a Chiefs rookie record. The picks currently rank second in the league, the yards ranks first and the passes defensed rank second.
Peters’ 58 tackles (51 solo) are tied as third-most on the Chiefs.
The weekly performances have not surprised safety Eric Berry, who was also named to the Pro Bowl.
Berry said Peters told him during training camp how he was going to help the Chiefs win football games and Berry never doubted it.
“I believed every word of it,” Berry said. “He’s got a lot of passion. You can see it in his eyes when he talks about football and what he wants to do on the field.”
Peters is the second Chiefs defensive back to earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after safety Tyvon Branch was recognized in Week 13.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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