Ryan, Rolle and Smith earn NFC weekly honors
Sports Network | November 05, 2008
New York, NY (Sports Network) - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, Arizona Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle and Tampa Bay Buccaneers special teamer Clifton Smith were selected as the NFC's top players for Week 9 of the NFL season.
Ryan, the rookie signal-caller, completed 17-of-22 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns with a career-best 138.4 passer rating in his team's 24-0 dismantling of the Oakland Raiders. His 77.3 completion percentage was also a career best.
The Boston College product, who was also named top offensive rookie for the month of October, earned his first career weekly honor.
Rolle led the Cardinals with seven tackles and returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in a 34-13 rout of St. Louis. It was the fourth such return in Rolle's career, moving him into third place in franchise history behind Larry Wilson (five) and Aeneas Williams (six).
This was the fourth-year pro's third weekly award after winning in Week 11 and 17 last season.
Smith picked up special teams honors by setting a Tampa Bay club record with 259 total return yards in the Bucs' 30-27 overtime triumph at Kansas City. His 97-yard kickoff return with Tampa trailing 24-3 late in the first half spurred the largest comeback in franchise lore.
As a result, the undrafted rookie from Fresno State picked up his first weekly award. He is the second Bucs player to win after kicker Matt Bryant in Week 4.
