Cardinals S Mathieu named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates a play in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 31-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals delivered a quick knockout blow to the San Francisco Giants in Week 3 by returning two interceptions for a touchdown within the opening minutes.

Safety Tyrann Mathieu, who brought back the second one and later picked off another pass in Arizona's 47-7 romp, helped set an NFL record as the Cardinals became the first team in NFL history with a pair of interception returns for scores in the first six minutes of a game.

The performance, which also included five tackles and a pass breakup, earned Mathieu NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

It was the first weekly award for Mathiew, who is the first Cardinals player to claim the honor since Patrick Peterson in 2014.

Mathieu has 17 tackles and three passes defensed through three games for Arizona, which became the first team in 70 years to have two pick-sixes and a safety in a game while scoring at least 40 points.