Thanks in large part to a pair of interceptions of Aaron Rodgers, Detroit Lions rookie defensive back Kerby Joseph was named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for Week 9 of the 2022 season.
In his fifth career NFL start, Joseph intercepted Rodgers on a batted ball in the end zone in the first quarter and again on a throw to Robert Tonyan inside the 5-yard line in the third quarter.
The interceptions were the first two of Joseph’s NFL career.
The first pick was fortunate after Rodgers’ attempt bounced off the helmet of a teammate, but Joseph later made a terrific play to undercut Tonyan’s route and intercept Rodgers’ pass down the seam in the second half, which prevented a scoring opportunity and a game-shifting moment after Jaire Alexander picked off Jared Goff.
The rookie added a pass breakup and 10 tackles in the Lions’ 15-9 upset win over the visiting Packers. Per the NFL, Joseph is just the second player this season to record 10 or more tackles and two interceptions in a game.
The Lions made Joseph a third-round pick out of Illinois this year. The 21-year-old intercepted five passes during his final collegiate season in 2021.
Joseph became the first Lions rookie ever to win the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.
In other NFC North award news, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing four 178 yards and scoring four total touchdowns last week against the Miami Dolphins.
