Dolphins LB earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors

Tyrel Dodson became the first AFC linebacker in eight years to notch at least 15 tackles with an interception in a game.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson is the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, the NFL announced Tuesday.

Dodson, 26, recorded an interception, a quarterback hit, and 15 tackles in the Dolphins’ 20-3 win against the Cleveland Browns. The last time an AFC linebacker recorded at least 15 tackles and an interception was Vontaze Burfict in 2016.

The Dolphins claimed Dodson off waivers in November after he was surprisingly let go by the Seattle Seahawks, despite making nine starts with two sacks and 71 tackles with the team. After making the addition, Miami cut ties with veteran linebacker David Long Jr.

Dodson has been a backup for the Dolphins, but was forced into starting duties after Anthony Walker Jr. suffered an injury that kept him out in Week 17.

The Dolphins didn’t have any Player of the Week winners this season through the first 11 weeks, but Dodson is the fourth in the last six weeks after Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Sieler, and Jason Sanders earned the distinction.

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