JAGUARS LB TELVIN SMITH NAMED AFC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith gets noticed on a national level.

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Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith has quietly been one of the best players on the Jaguars defense so far in 2017. It's easy to go unnoticed when competing with Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell and Co. for air time. But Telvin Smith got it done in a big way for the Jaguars against the Steelers in week six. Smith flew around the field recording 10 total tackles, but his biggest highlight came when he easily picked off Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (1 of 5 Jaguars interceptions on the day) and returned it to the house for six points. 

Smith was named AFC Player of the Week following his standout performance. This could be the first of many accolades for Smith in 2017. He's already recorded 2 interceptions and 40 tackles in just five games. If he keeps up that level of production, Smith will likely earn his first Pro Bowl nod. For that to happen, Smith needs to remain vigilant in run defense and keep making plays against the pass. 

While Telvin Smith won the award, several Jaguars were deserving. Dante Fowler had a fantastic game as did Calais Campbell, but perhaps the most deserving, behind Telvin, was Tashaun Gipson, who in one game doubled his 2016 interception total by picking off two passes from Big Ben. 

The Jaguars, as a whole, had one of the most exciting defensive performances in recent memory and will look to build off that as they return home to face the NFC West leading Rams.