Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Sunday's game against the N.Y. Jets, the NFL announced Wednesday.
It is the first AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor of his career and Miami's first AFC Defensive Player of the Week nod since linebacker Bradley Chubb earned the award against the N.Y. Jets in Week 15 of the 2023 season. It also marks Miami's second Player of the Week award this season with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week against New England in Week 12.
Sieler had one of the best performances of his career against the Jets, making impact plays at key moments throughout the game and totaling four tackles (two solo), 2.0 sacks, three quarterback hits and two tackles for loss.
With less than a minute remaining in the first half, Sieler delivered his first quarterback hit on third-and-9, forcing Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers to throw an incomplete pass as he looked for the endzone. The play kept the Jets from scoring a touchdown and forced them to settle for a field goal.
Sieler was essential in limiting a Jets' fourth-quarter rally, delivering both of his sacks as the New York offense looked for the endzone late in the game.
The first sack came on a third-and-2 situation, causing a fourth-and-11 and forcing the Jets to punt. His second sack was one of the most impactful stops of the day, bringing down Rodgers on second-and-15 with just over a minute left in the game and tied 23-23. Sieler's sack moved the Jets back six yards, causing a third-and-21. The Jets failed to convert and settled for a field goal. Miami's offense tied the game in the ensuing possession, forcing overtime with a 52-yard field goal from kicker Jason Sanders and eventually winning the divisional matchup.
It was Sieler's third career game with multiple sacks. His 2.0 sacks were tied for the second-most in the league and led the AFC in Week 14, while his three quarterback hits tied for second-most in the NFL.
Sieler leads the team with 6.0 sacks this season. He also leads Miami's defensive linemen with 39 tackles this year and has now recorded a tackle in 78 consecutive games, which is the second-longest active streak in the NFL among defensive linemen.
