Lamarr Houston named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Originally published on SBReport.net on Oct. 24, 2012

Oakland Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week by the NFL.

Houston earned the honors with his stellar play as the Raiders defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 26-23 overtime win. Houston made his biggest play on the Jaguars’ first drive in overtime when he punched the ball out of wide receiver Cecil Shorts arms to force a fumble. The fumble was recovered by cornerback Joselio Hanson and gave the Raiders the ball in Jaguars territory, setting up Sebastian Janikowski for the game-winning field goal.

The 6-foot-three, 300-pound defensive end made big play after big play throughout the game while recording seven tackles, one sack and the aforementioned forced fumble. Houston’s sack started the fourth quarter as he got to Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne and wrapped him up around the ankles.

After recording five sacks in his rookie season, Houston had a disappointing sophomore campaign with just one sack.

The award marks the first time Houston has earned conference honors.

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