Running back Ahman Green of the Green Bay Packers is the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played the 12th week of the 2003 season, the NFL announced Wednesday.
Green enjoyed a record-setting afternoon as the Packers improved to 6-5 with a 20-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. The victory kept the Packers one game behind NFC North-leading Minnesota and gives Green Bay a winning record heading into its final five games.
Green carried 27 times for 154 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry against a 49ers defense that entered the game fourth in the league against the run, surrendering 86.9 yards per game. He played an instrumental role in helping Green Bay control the clock and move the chains, earning a 34:43 to 25:17 edge in time of possession. Green had six carries of at least 10 yards, including a key 24-yard scamper that set up a field goal to end the first half, giving the Pack a 17-3 advantage.
Green's 154-yard outing was his eighth 100-yard performance of the season, surpassing the club record he held with Packers' legend Jim Taylor, who had seven 100s in 1962. His rushing total also represented his fourth consecutive 100-yard game, surpassing the team record of three held by John Brockington (1971) and Dorsey Levens (1997).
"He's great," said San Francisco linebacker Jeff Ulbrich of Green, who leads the NFC and ranks second in the NFL with 1,326 yards rushing. "He's got a little bit of everything. He's strong, he's fast, he's patient and he's smart. Obviously, he exploited us today."
In his sixth season from Nebraska, this is Green's fourth career Player of the Week Award and second of the season (Week 4).
Meanwhile, cornerback Brian Williams of the Minnesota Vikings and kicker Paul Edinger of the Chicago Bears are the NFC Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week.
Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of Week 12 were:
- Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who completed 23 of 41 attempts for 333 yards, including a career-high and franchise-record tying five touchdown passes against Baltimore. He finished the game with a 122.3 passer rating and added 26 yards rushing.
- St. Louis wide receiver Torry Holt, who posted nine receptions for 145 yards in the Rams' 30-27 overtime win against Arizona.
- Seattle wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who totaled seven receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
- New Orleans running back Deuce McAllister, who rushed for a career-high 184 yards on 19 carries, including touchdown runs of 76 and 22 yards. He also added four receptions for 48 yards against Philadelphia.
- Tampa Bay wide receiver Keenan McCardell, who had nine receptions for 83 yards in the Buccaneers' 19-13 win over the Giants.
Other nominees for NFC Defensive Player of Week 12 were:
- Minnesota safety Corey Chavous, who had a 32-yard interception return touchdown and four tackles.
- Packers safety Antuan Edwards, who had four tackles, one interception and one sack.
- Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who had five tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
- Rams defensive end Grant Wistrom, who had 12 tackles and three quarterback pressures.
Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of Week 12 were:
- Philadelphia kicker David Akers, who connected on four of four field goals (36, 41, 42, 33) in the Eagles' 33-20 win against New Orleans.
- Green Bay special teamer Robert Ferguson, who had four special teams tackles and returned one kickoff for 31 yards.
- Minnesota rookie punt returner Keenan Howry, who returned five punts for 59 yards, including a long return of 52 yards.
- St. Louis kicker Jeff Wilkins, who connected on field goals of 29, 24 and 49 yards. His 49-yarder gave the Rams an overtime win against Arizona.
2003 NFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Offense
Defense
Special Teams
Wk 1
QB Joey Harrington, Det.
S Corey Chavous, Minn.
RB Terry Jackson, SF
Wk 2
RB Stephen Davis, Car
S Ken Hamlin, Sea
K Billy Cundiff, Dal
Wk 3
QB Kerry Collins, NY
S Dexter Jackson, Ariz
P Tom Tupa, TB
Wk 4
RB Ahman Green, GB
CB Champ Bailey, Was
K David Akers, Phi
Wk 5
RB Stephen Davis, Car
CB Ahmed Plummer, SF
K Paul Edinger, Chi
Wk 6
QB Brad Johnson, TB
DE Simeon Rice, TB
WR Randal Williams, Dal
Wk 7
QB Aaron Brooks, NO
DE Lance Johnstone, Min
PR Brian Westbrook, Phi
Wk 8
RB Stephen Davis, Car
DE Michael Strahan, NY
KR Jerry Azumah, Chi
Wk 9
WR Amani Toomer, NY
DE Willie Whitehead, NO
KR Cedrick Wilson, SF
Wk 10
RB Warrick Dunn, Atl
DT Brian Young, StL
K Jason Hanson, Det
Wk 11
QB Donovan McNabb, Phi
LB Nick Barnett, GB
PR Bobby Engram, Sea
Wk 12
RB Ahman Green, GB
CB Brian Williams, Min
K Paul Edinger, Chi
