Two Packers among NFC's best for Week 17

Published January 08, 2015

New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Green Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and punt returner Micah Hyde made up two-thirds of the NFC's top players for the final week of the regular season.

Rodgers played through a calf injury to help the Packers capture the NFC North title and a first-round bye with a 30-20 win over the Detroit Lions. Rodgers completed 17-of-22 passes for 226 yards with two touchdowns and ran for a score to earn the offensive award.

Hyde returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown to claim the special teams award.

Carolina Panthers safety Roman Harper registered six tackles and scored on a 31-yard interception return as the Panthers routed the Atlanta Falcons 34-3 to win the NFC South for the second straight season.

Others considered for the offensive award were Harper's teammate, quarterback Cam Newton, and San Francisco running back Frank Gore. Newton threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score, while Gore rushed for 144 yards in the 49ers' season-ending 20-17 win over Arizona.

Dallas linebacker Bruce Carter was nominated for the defensive award after registering 11 tackles and two interceptions in a 44-17 over Washington.

Philadelphia's Trey Burton was up for the special teams award after returning a blocked punt for a touchdown in a 34-26 win over the New York Giants.

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