Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict wins AFC Defensive Player of the Week

This isn't that much of a surprise.

The NFL announced on Wednesday that Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict has won the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Cleveland Browns. Burfict generated 18 tackles (15 solo) according to the team, along with a pass defense and a forced fumble that he recovered for 13-yard touchdown. His 18 total tackles against the Browns is the most by a Bengals player this season, topping his previous mark of 17 against the Detroit Lions.

Through 11 games, Burfict leads the team with 146 total tackles. He has led the team in tackles in eight of those games, and tied for the lead in another contest. On the season, Burfict also is tied for the team lead with two fumble recoveries, and he is tied for third on the team with seven passes defensed.

This is Burfict’s first Player of the Week award. While he is the third Bengals player to earn the Player of the Week award in 2013, he is the first to win the defensive honor since DT Geno Atkins won the award for his performance in last season’s Week 16 victory at Pittsburgh.

Also earning Player of the Week awards this season were QB Andy Dalton (Offense, Week 6 at Buffalo) and WR Marvin Jones (Offense, Week 8 vs. N.Y. Jets). Dalton also won the AFC Offensive Player of the Month Award for October.