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The Green Bay Packers might not have escaped Week 13's game with a victory if not for defensive end Dean Lowry's sterling performance. For his efforts, the NFL has named him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Lowry enjoyed a breakout performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past Sunday. He recovered a fumble from Jameis Winston (though it looked like an interception) and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown, the first of Lowry's career. Lowry also sacked Winston later in the game and recorded four tackles on the day.
While Lowry took home the NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and San Francisco 49ers placekicker Robbie Gould received the conference's offensive and special teams honors respectively.
The Packers drafted Lowry in the fourth round in 2016. He has steadily improved in the year and chance since, becoming the team's top five-tech in their base defense. Lowry also plays inside when Green Bay uses only two defensive linemen.