Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree had an excellent game on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts as the team’s former first-round draft pick out of Kentucky recorded two sacks, three total tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. On Wednesday Dupree was rewarded for his efforts on Sunday by being named the AFC Defensive of Player of the Week for Week 9.
One of Dupree’s two sacks on Sunday included him stripping Colts quarterback Brian Hoyer of the football and the Steelers outside linebacker ultimately recovered it on the ground. Dupree also chased down Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett from behind earlier in the game for his first of two sacks.
Additionally, Dupree’s non sack tackle happened on the Steelers final defensive play of the game as he stuffed Colts running back Marlon Mack for a two-yard loss on third down and one play. That tackle for loss was immediately followed by Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri missing a potential game-winning 43-yard field goal with 1:14 left in the contest.
Dupree, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, now leads the Steelers in tackles for loss (8), and is second in sacks (6), quarterback hits (9) and forced fumbles (2). This marks the first time during his career that Dupree has been named the Defensive Player of the Week.
