Cardinals’ Marcus Cooper named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
Sep 21, 2016, 7:11 AM | Updated: 11:03 am
Arizona Cardinals defensive back Marcus Cooper (41) celebrates his interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marcus Cooper was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cooper, who was acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs at the end of training camp, had two interceptions — including one returned for a touchdown — in Arizona’s 40-7 win on Sunday. His first interception came on his second defensive snap of the season. Cooper saw action on special teams in the Cardinals’ season-opening loss to New England Sept. 11.
Later in Sunday’s contest, Cooper intercepted a ball that was deflected by lineman Josh Mauro, and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown. He’s one of only three NFL players who have interception returns for scores to this point of the season, joining Minnesota’s Eric Kendricks and Denver’s Aqib Talib.
This is Cooper’s first weekly award.
The 26-year-old had three interceptions in three seasons with Kansas City, all coming in his rookie season in 2013. He also had fumble recovery for a touchdown in the Chiefs’ 26-17 Week 5 win that season.
