Jeremy Hill named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill was named AFC Offensive player of the Week on Wednesday for his performance against the Cleveland Browns where he generated 148 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns. Using a philosophy and gameplan that focused entirely on the run led by Hill, Cincinnati won 30-0. He is only the third rookie Bengals running back to win the award since the award's inception in 1994 -- Corey Dillon (week 15, 1997) and Ickey Woods (week 6, 1988).

Other nominations for the AFC Offensive Player of the Week include Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (20/30, 221 yards, TD), Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (187 yards and two touchdowns), Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (297 yards, two touchdowns), and Broncos wide receiver DeMaryius Thomas (six receptions, 123 yards, TD).

This is the third time that Hill has been recognized this week, following his with nominations for Pepsi Rookie of the Week and the FedEx Ground Player of the Week.

The rookie's season has steadily improved over the last six games with Hill averaging 113.7 yards rushing on 21.2 carries (5.4 yards/rush). And of the three games with 20 carries or more, he's averaging 151.3 yards. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson promoted the idea of using a primary back, rather than a two-back system that started becoming more popular around the league. Hill took the bulk of those carries on Sunday.

Hill also became the first rookie since Cadillac Williams in 2005 to surpass 140 yards rushing in three games and only needs 123 yards to become the first rookie since Corey Dillon to reach the 1,000-yard rushing milestone.

This is the first weekly award won by a Bengals player since Andy Dalton won it against the Colts in Week 14 last season.