CHARLOTTE – Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording a career-high three sacks against the Cardinals.
Lotulelei's first sack caused quarterback Carson Palmer to fumble, leading to a 46-yard fumble return touchdown for linebacker Thomas Davis early in the first quarter. Lotulelei finished with six tackles.
"It feels good," Lotulelei said Sunday about a group effort that produced eight sacks in a 30-20 victory. "It's just everybody doing their jobs and being where they're supposed to be and working together: coverage doing their job and rush doing their job. Our guys did a great job giving us time to get there, and we got there."
This is the first Player of the Week award for Lotulelei and the first one for the Panthers in 2016.
Lotulelei joins Kawann Short as Carolina defensive tackles who have won Player of the Week. Short earned the honor after recording two sacks in a win over Seattle last season.
