New York, NY – Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper and Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson have been chosen as the NFC's top players for Week 2 of the NFL season.
Romo completed 20-of-33 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns (116.4 passer rating) in the Cowboys' 27-24 overtime victory at San Francisco. He left the game for a brief period of time with a fractured rib, but returned to lead a fourth quarter comeback. Dallas tied the game at the end of regulation with a field goal and Romo set up the game-winning field goal in overtime with a 77- yard pass to wide receiver Jesse Holley.
On Monday, Romo was diagnosed with a collapsed lung. He extended his club- record streak of consecutive games with a TD pass to 20.
Harper spearheaded a New Orleans defense that recorded six sacks and held the Bears to 246 total yards (60 rushing, 186 passing) in the Saints' 30-13 win over Chicago. He had seven tackles, two sacks and forced a fumble in the victory.
Hanson claimed the special teams award after scoring 12 points in the Lions' 48-3 win over Kansas City. He set an NFL record by playing in his 297th game for the Lions, the most games played by a player for one team. He surpassed Pro Football Hall of Fame center Bruce Matthews, who played 296 games for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans.
Other nominees for the offensive award included Dallas wide receiver Miles Austin, who had nine catches for 143 yards and a career-high three touchdowns; Tampa Bay running back LeGarrette Blount; New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees; and Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Defensive consideration went to New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley, who had six tackles and returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown in the Giants' 28-16 win over St. Louis; and Redskins linebacker London Fletcher.
Dallas rookie kicker Dan Bailey was nominated for the special teams honor thanks to his 19-yarder in overtime against the 49ers.
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