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FOR USE AS DESIRED VIKINGS QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER, EAGLES
CB LITO SHEPPARD & Quarterback DAUNTE CULPEPPER of the Minnesota Vikings, cornerback LITO SHEPPARD of the Philadelphia Eagles and punter SEAN LANDETA of the St. Louis Rams are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the sixth week of the 2004 season (October 17-18), the NFL announced today. OFFENSE: QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER, MINNESOTA VIKINGS Culpepper played an instrumental role in Minnesota’s 38-31 win over the Saints in Week Six. In addition to completing 26 of 37 attempts for 425 yards, he set an NFL record by throwing five touchdowns for the third time this season. His 18 TD passes and 1,766 yards are the most all-time after five games and his 147.9 passer rating on third downs leads the NFL. The Vikings’ offense has accounted for more than 300 yards in 34 consecutive games. Culpepper has quarterbacked each of those contests. In his sixth season from Central Florida, this is Culpepper’s fifth Player of the Week Award. DEFENSE: CB LITO SHEPPARD, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Sheppard played exceptionally well in the Eagles’ 30-8 defeat of the Carolina Panthers. He contributed one tackle, three passes defensed and a career-high two interceptions. He returned one interception 64 yards for his first NFL touchdown. In the third quarter, Sheppard picked off Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme at the Panthers’ 30-yard line and followed a host of Eagle blockers to the end zone, expanding Philadelphia’s lead to 23 points. Sheppard has accumulated 16 tackles in the first five games, 14 of them solo. In his third season from Florida, this is Sheppard’s first career Player of the Week Award. SPECIAL TEAMS: P SEAN LANDETA, ST. LOUIS RAMS Landeta averaged 50.2 yards per punt in the Rams’ Monday night victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28-21). He had three punts of at least 50 yards (59, 56 and 63) and dropped two inside the 20. His longest kick of the day – a 63-yarder – resulted when his original 61-yard kick was nullified by penalty. In the first five games of the season he has averaged 44.8 yards per punt, ranking second in the NFC. In his 20th season from Towson State, this is Landeta’s seventh Player of the Week Award and his first since he twice received the honor in 2001. 2004 NFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of Week 6 were :Tampa Bay rookie wide receiver MICHAEL CLAYTON, who had a career-high and game-leading eight receptions for 142 yards. His eight receptions tie for second all-time by a rookie in Buccaneers history. Minnesota running back MELWELDE MOORE had 15 carries for 109 yards (7.3 average) and seven receptions for 78 yards in his second career start. Philadelphia wide receiver TERRELL OWENS, who contributed four catches for 123 yards, including plays of 53 and 51 yards that led to 10 points. Atlanta quarterback MICHAEL VICK, who completed 12 of 21 attempts for 218 yards, two TDs and one INT in Atlanta’s 21-20 win over San Diego. He also added a 14-yard TD run, leading the club back from a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit. Green Bay wide receiver DONALD DRIVER caught a season-high nine receptions for 110 yards and two TDs in the Packers’ 38-10 win over Detroit. Washington running back CLINTON PORTIS, who rushed 36 times for 171 yards and helped set up the team’s only touchdown in the Redskins’ 13-10 win at Chicago. Other nominees for NFC Defensive Player of Week 6 were: Green Bay safety DARREN SHARPER, who returned an interception 36 yards for a TD. Tampa Bay defensive end GREG SPIRES, who recorded two sacks, five tackles and a forced fumble that set up a Buccaneers TD on the ensuing possession. St. Louis safety ADAM ARCHULETA, who contributed three tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery that was returned 93 yards for a TD, giving the Rams a 21-14 lead in the third quarter. Washington rookie safety SEAN TAYLOR, who had a crucial late-fourth quarter interception, which he returned 45 yards. It was his first NFL interception. San Francisco linebacker JAMIE WINBORN, who had a game-high 13 tackles in the 49er’s 22-14 loss against the New York Jets. Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of Week 6 were :Philadelphia kicker DAVID AKERS, who connected on all three field goal attempts (48, 34, 43) and executed a successful onsides kick to begin the second half. Tampa Bay kick returner TORRIE COX, who returned four kicks for 172 yards (38.0 average), including a 59-yard return that set up the Buccaneers’ first TD of the game. |