FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFC-POW-8 11/3/04

FALCONS QB MICHAEL VICK, BEARS LB BRIAN URLACHER &
GIANTS WR DAVID TYREE NAMED NFC PLAYERS OF WEEK 8

Quarterback MICHAEL VICK of the Atlanta Falcons, linebacker BRIAN URLACHER of the Chicago Bears and wide receiver DAVID TYREE of the New York Giants are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the eighth week of the 2004 season (October 31-November 1), the NFL announced today.

OFFENSE: QB MICHAEL VICK, ATLANTA FALCONS

Vick powered the Falcons to a 41-28 road-win against the Denver Broncos, as Atlanta overcame a 14-3 second-quarter deficit. Vick completed 18 of 24 attempts for 252 yards and two touchdowns, posting an impressive 136.1 passer rating – a Week 9 NFC high. Not to be outdone by his arm, Vick was equally adept with his legs, rushing 12 times for 115 yards, including a 44-yard run that helped set up a first-quarter field goal. Vick notched his fourth-career 100-yard rushing game, tying the NFL record for 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback, equaling the mark held by BILLY KILMER. Vick directed an Atlanta offense that gained 467 yards and scored 41 points against a Broncos defense that entered the game ranked second in the NFL. The Falcons’ 41 points are the most scored by the visitors in Denver since the Raiders earned a 48-16 win on September 18, 1994.

In his fourth season from Virginia Tech, this is Vick’s third career Player of the Week Award and second of 2004 (Week 2).

DEFENSE: LB BRIAN URLACHER, CHICAGO BEARS

Urlacher led a Bears defense that did not allow an offensive touchdown in a 23-13 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. The linebacker posted six tackles, a team-leading 2.0 sacks and one pass defensed, as the Bears surrendered just 162 yards, the fewest Chicago has permitted an opponent since allowing 160 in a 20-3 win over the Buffalo Bills on December 7, 1997. Urlacher recorded his first sack on a third-and-12 in the first quarter, forcing a 49ers punt. His second sack came with San Francisco driving and facing a second-and-nine at the Chicago 32, helping stall the drive and force the visitors to settle for a field goal. In five games this season, Urlacher has posted 4.0 sacks, tops among NFC linebackers.

In his fifth season from New Mexico, this is Urlacher’s fifth Player of the Week Award and second of 2004 (Week 2).

SPECIAL TEAMS: WR DAVID TYREE, NEW YORK GIANTS

Giants special teamer Tyree helped set the tone on special teams for New York in its convincing 34-13 road-win against the Minnesota Vikings. Tyree led the team with three special teams tackles and downed a punt at the Minnesota one-yard line. His efforts aided in limiting the Vikings to an average of 3.0 yards per punt return (2 for 6 yards) and 17.0 yards per kickoff return (7 for 119 yards). Seven of the Vikings’ 13 possessions began inside the Minnesota 25-yard line.

In his second season from Syracuse, this is Tyree’s first Player of the Week Award.

2004 NFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

  Offense Defense Special Teams
Week 1 QB Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota LB Nick Barnett, Green Bay S Bracy Walker, Detroit
Week 2 QB Michael Vick, Atlanta LB Brian Urlacher, Chicago P Tom Rouen, Seattle
Week 3 QB Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota CB Ken Lucas, Seattle K John Carney, New Orleans
Week 4 RB Tiki Barber, New York S Adrian Wilson, Arizona K David Akers, Philadelphia
Week 5 QB Tim Rattay, San Francisco DE James Hall, Detroit K Steve Christie, New York
Week 6 QB Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota CB Lito Sheppard, Philadelphia P Sean Landeta. St. Louis
Week 7 RB Ahman Green, Green Bay DT Shaun Rogers, Detroit K Neil Rackers, Arizona
Week 8 QB Michael Vick, Atlanta LB Brian Urlacher, Chicago WR David Tyree, New York

Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of Week 8 were:

Seattle running back SHAUN ALEXANDER, who carried 32 times for 195 yards, including a four-yard touchdown run, in a 23-17 win against Carolina. He also added three receptions for 13 yards, with a three-yard touchdown catch.

New York running back TIKI BARBER, who rushed for 101 yards on 24 carries, including a pair of touchdowns, in the Giants’ victory.

Philadelphia wide receiver TERRELL OWENS, who topped 100-yards receiving in his franchise-record fifth consecutive game, finishing with eight receptions for 101 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown catch in a 15-10 win over Baltimore.

Other nominees for NFC Defensive Player of Week 8 were:

Philadelphia defensive end JEVON KEARSE, who totaled three tackles, 2.0 sacks and one forced fumble.

New York rookie safety GIBRIL WILSON, who had a team-high six tackles and one interception. Wilson is tied for the NFL rookie lead with three interceptions.

San Francisco defensive tackle BRYANT YOUNG, who had a game-high 10 tackles, 2.0 sacks and one fumble recovery against Chicago.

Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of Week 8 were:

Philadelphia kicker DAVID AKERS, who connected on three of three field goals from 20, 41 and 43 yards and had three touchbacks on kickoffs.

Chicago kick returner JERRY AZUMAH, who returned four kickoffs for 159 yards, averaging 39.8 yards per return with a long of 73 yards.

Philadelphia punter DIRK JOHNSON, who averaged 47.0 yards on six punts, pinning three inside the 20-yard line.