Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle Randy Starks Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week today, recognizing his play against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday. During the game, Starks recorded three tackles, a half sack, an interception, and two passes defensed.

Starks' third quarter interception of an Adny Dalton pass led to a 13-yard touchdown run from Reggie Bush, extending the Dolphins' lead to 14-6.

Miami's defense, with Starks holding the middle of the defensive line, held the Bengals to 298 total yards, with just 80 yards rushing. The team has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 19 straight games, the best active streak in the NFL. The Dolphins are only allowing 61.4 rushing yards per game, best in the league.

The Bengals were only 2-for-14 (14%) on third down.

Starks leads all defensive linemen with three interceptions since 2011, and is tied for the active lead among all defensive linemen with four career interceptions.

This is the first time Starks, a 2010 Pro Bowl selection, has been named the Defensive Player of the Week. This is the first time a Miami defensive lineman has won the award since defensive end Jason Taylor won it in Week 11 of the 2006 season.