New York, NY – Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, New Paul and Seattle's Doug Baldwin have been selected as the NFC's top players for Week 14 of the NFL season.
Ryan threw for 320 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in Atlanta's 31-23 win at Carolina to earn the offensive award for the second time in his career. He led Atlanta to 24 unanswered points in the second half as the Falcons overcame a 16-point halftime deficit.
Pierre-Paul was selected for defensive honors for the first time after a banner night against Dallas. He had eight tackles, two sacks, a safety and a forced fumble before preserving New York's 37-34 win with a blocked field goal in the final seconds.
Baldwin claimed the special teams award in Seattle's 30-13 win over St. Louis on Monday night. He blocked a punt, downed another at the six-yard line and returned a kickoff for 37 yards. In addition, he also had seven catches for 93 yards with a touchdown.
Others considered for the offensive award included Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who had seven catches for 149 yards with a touchdown in a 21-19 win over San Francisco; Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who threw for 400 yards with a pair of touchdowns against the Cowboys; and New Orleans receiver Marques Colston, who hauled in seven passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns in a 22-17 win at Tennessee.
Defensive consideration went to Detroit defensive end Cliff Avril, who had eight tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a 34-28 win over Minnesota, and Philadelphia defensive ends Jason Babin and Trent Cole, who each notched three sacks in a 26-10 win at Miami.
Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby was nominated for the special teams award after kicking four field goals in a 46-16 rout of Oakland.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.