Dallas Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 16

KFFL reports:
Wed, 28 Dec 2005 11:31:53 -0800

DE DeMarcus Ware was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Week for his play in the 24-20 road win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday in Charlotte. Ware wreaked havoc on the Panthers' offense throughout the day, totaling three sacks, the most by a Cowboys' rookie in a single game since the sack stat was instituted in 1982. The Auburn, Ala. native also forced three fumbles, the most by a Dallas defender since the team began keeping single-game defensive statistics in 1984. Ware's first sack and forced fumble led to a Carolina punt, his second sack and forced fumble resulted in a Dallas field-goal attempt on the ensuing possession and his final sack and forced fumble on the day also resulted in a Panthers' punt. Ware posted his season-high with eight tackles on the day, and with seven sacks in 2005, he ties for second-most among NFL rookies. A first-round pick from Troy, this is Ware's first Player of the Week award. He was previously honored as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October.