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Earlier today, we took a look at all of the fan-vote based awards for which Miami Dolphin players are nominated after the team's 33-20 win over the New England Patriots last weekend. Today, one of the league awarded recognitions was announced, with Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake claiming AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Wake dominated the line of scrimmage on Sunday, repeatedly closing in on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady just as the pass was released. Eventually, he broke through to pull down Brady before he could get the ball out of his hand, with an explosion off the line of scrimmage that was so fast, the commentators had to check to see if he was offsides. By the end of the game, Wake tallied two sacks, two quarterback hits, three tackles, and two forced fumbles.
This is the second time Wake has received the AFC Player of the Week honors, joining his 2013 Week 9 performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Wake recorded five tackles with three sacks in the game, including the game-winning overtime safety-sack giving Miami the 22-20 victory.
Wake has also been selected as the AFC Defensive Player of the Month one time in his career, earning that honor in October 2012.
This marks the first time since Zach Thomas won the award in 2001, that a Dolphins player has won the AFC Player of the Week award for offense or defense in the opening week of the season. Quarterback Dan Marino (1984, 1994, 1999), running back Sammie Smith (1990), running back Karim Abdul-Jabbar (1996), safety Shawn Wooden (1997), and running back Lamar Smith (2000), also were Week 1 winners of the award for Miami.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas won the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his seven catch, 104 yard, three touchdown performance Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Former Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter was awarded the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for connecting on two extra points and three field goals, including the game winner in overtime for the Buffalo Bills.