Running back Ahman Green of the Green Bay Packers was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played the fourth week of the 2003 season (September 28-29), the NFL announced Wednesday.
Green helped the Packers to a 38-23 road win over the NFC North rival Chicago Bears on Monday night, rushing for a career-high 176 yards on 19 carries, including a pair of touchdown runs.
Green opened the scoring on Green Bay's second drive of the game, rushing 60 yards for a touchdown to give the Packers a 7-0 lead. The 60-yard scoring scamper was the third-longest of his career. Green added a six-yard touchdown run later in the first quarter to give the visitors a 17-0 advantage.
After the Bears narrowed the gap to 24-16 early in the fourth quarter, Green helped the Packers regain control, carrying three times for 37 yards on the ensuing possession, setting up Brett Favre's nine-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Javon Walker for a 31-16 lead.
Green's 176 yards is the most by a Packer since Jim Taylor rushed for 186 yards on December 3, 1961 in a 20-17 win over the New York Giants and the third-highest single-game total in franchise history.
"I knew we would run the ball well," Favre said. "Before the game, Ahman was fired up, and you could just tell that the offensive line was ready to go."
In his sixth season from Nebraska, this is Green's third Player of the Week Award.
Meanwhile, cornerback Champ Bailey of the Washington Redskins and kicker David Akers of the Philadelphia Eagles were named the NFC Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week.
Bailey earned defensive honors for his play in the Redskins' 20-17 win over the New England Patriots, finishing with seven tackles, one interception and a forced fumble in the victory.
With the Redskins nursing a 6-3 lead in the waning moments of the first half, Bailey intercepted Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady at the Washington nine yard-line to preserve the advantage.
Then on the opening drive of the second-half, Bailey forced a fumble deep in Patriots' territory that was recovered by Redskins safety Matt Bowen and returned to the New England one yard-line.
Running back Ladell Betts scored on the next play to put Washington ahead 13-3.
"I had a couple of big tackles," Bailey said. "I was glad to be able to help us get an important win and make a few plays."
In his fifth season from Georgia, this is Bailey's second Player of the Week Award.
Akers played an important role in the Eagles' hard-fought 23-13 win over the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium, helping Philadelphia earn its first win of the year.
The former NFL Europe League standout with the Berlin Thunder connected on all three of his field goal attempts (26, 34, 22) and scored 11 points in the win. After the Eagles took a 7-0 lead on the game's opening drive, Buffalo's Antonio Brown returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards into Philadelphia territory and might have gone the distance had Akers not made the saving tackle.
Akers' three field goals brings his career total to 92, moving him past Paul McFadden (91) for most in team history.
In his fifth season from Louisville, this is Akers' fourth Player of the Week Award.
Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of Week 4 were:
Minnesota quarterback Gus Frerotte, who completed 16 of 21 attempts for 267 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions for a club-record 157.2 passer rating in the Vikings' 35-7 win over San Francisco.
St. Louis running back Lamar Gordon, who had a career-high 81 yards rushing, including a three-yard touchdown run in the Rams' 37-13 win over Arizona.
St. Louis wide receiver Torry Holt, who totaled a career-high tying 12 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown.
Minnesota wide receiver Randy Moss, who had eight receptions for 172 yards, including touchdown catches of 15, 35 and 59 yards in the Vikings' win.
Other nominees for NFC Defensive Player of Week 4 were:
Minnesota linebacker Chris Claiborne, who totaled 11 tackles.
Green Bay linebacker Na'il Diggs, who posted a team-leading 10 tackles and had a career-high two interceptions.
St. Louis defensive end Leonard Little, who had seven tackles, one sack, three quarterback pressures and one forced fumble.
Minnesota safety Brian Russell, who had five tackles and one interception.
Green Bay safety Darren Sharper, who had six tackles and a career-best 2.0 sacks.
Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of Week 4 were:
St. Louis punt returner De Juan Groce, who averaged 9.0 yards on four punt returns, including an 18-yard return that set up the Rams' first touchdown.
Green Bay linebacker Marcus Wilkins, who had the team's first blocked punt since 1997.
2003 NFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Offense
Defense
Special Teams
Wk 1
QB Joey Harrington, Det.
S Corey Chavous, Minn.
RB Terry Jackson, SF
Wk 2
RB Stephen Davis, Car
S Ken Hamlin, Sea
K Billy Cundiff, Dal
Wk 3
QB Kerry Collins, NY
S Dexter Jackson, Ariz
P Tom Tupa, TB
Wk 4
RB Ahman Green, GB
CB Champ Bailey, Was
K David Akers, Phi
