Nick Bosa and Cameron Heyward piled on to Ohio State's "Developed Here" campaign over the weekend as the former Buckeyes earned NFL Defensive Player of the Week Honors for their efforts in Week 16.
A frontrunner for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Bosa was again unstoppable in Saturday's 37-20 win for San Francisco over Washington. The 49ers defensive end racked up seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in the contest and also made a crucial stop on a two-point conversion attempt by the Commanders late in the fourth quarter.
Nick Bosa is the gift that keeps on giving pic.twitter.com/yE5qjbpSAB
— San Francisco 49ers - x (@49ers) December 28, 2022
This season, Bosa has collected 48 tackles,18 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, 42 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection while playing in 14 of San Francisco's first 15 games. The 2022-23 Pro Bowler leads the league in sacks and quarterback hits and only trails the Raiders' Maxx Crosby (19) for the most tackles for loss in the NFL.
Bosa will wrap up the regular season at Las Vegas against the Raiders in Week 17 and at home in San Franciso against the Cardinals in Week 18. The 49ers are 11-4 through 15 contests and have secured a playoff spot by clinching the NFC West division.
Meanwhile, Heyward continues to drink from the Fountain of Youth, as the former Buckeye remains one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL at 33 years old. The longtime Pittsburgh Steeler was phenomenal again for the black and yellow on Saturday, recording seven tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and one pass deflection in the Steelers' 13-10 win over the Raiders.
.@CamHeyward wins AFC Defensive Player of the Week #WPMOYChallenge Heyward
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 28, 2022
: https://t.co/7nxE49brOb pic.twitter.com/wk4Etcn2YA
This season, which is Heyward's 12th in the NFL, the four-time All-Pro has collected 62 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, three pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as a defensive tackle in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have also heavily relied on his leadership and presence on the field as they attempt to make the playoffs this year but currently sit on the outside looking in at 7-8.
While Heyward is not in the running for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he is one of 32 players in the league nominated for the Walton Payton Man of the Year award, which recognizes a player who displays excellence on and off the field. Read more about his nomination and dedication to charitable work in the Pittsburgh community here.
