Micah Kiser wins NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Former Virginia Cavalier Micah Kiser had a highly productive Week 2 in the NFL, earning the title of NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Kiser, a linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, finished with 16 tackles (11 solo), one pass break up, and one forced fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

More impressive is the fact that Kiser has only started on — and played — defense for the Rams for two games now. In his rookie season in 2018, Kiser played solely on special teams. Kiser missed the 2019 season due to a pectoral injury that required surgery. Now, he has become an integral part to the Rams defense.

Against the Eagles, his forced fumble helped set up the Rams’ first score. Kiser has 23 tackles on the season — good for a tie for third in the league — and has been instrumental in helping his team start the season 2-0.

“Micah seemed like he was coming up with stop after stop. You feel his physicality.” Rams head coach Sean McVay told the media. “He’s got great command for what’s going on. He made a lot of plays today (Sunday) and was involved in a lot of the action.”

The 2017 Campbell Trophy winner finished with 408 career tackles at Virginia, so this is no surprise to those that have been following Kiser’s career. Next up, the undefeated Rams hit the road to play the undefeated Buffalo Bills.

Here is the full list of Players of the Week for Week 2:

AFC

Offense: QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Defense: LB TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
Special Teams: K Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs

NFC

Offense: QB Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Defense: LB Micah Kiser, Los Angeles Rams
Special Teams: P Michael Dickson, Seattle Seahawks