Kyle Dugger is being recognized for his stellar play.
The dynamic defensive back won AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance Sunday against the Dolphins. Dugger made the play of the game midway through the third quarter when he intercepted Teddy Bridgewater for a pick-six.
The Patriots’ offense was floundering at that point, and needed the spark that Dugger provided. It was his second pick-six of the season, and the defense’s seventh touchdown overall.
In addition, Dugger recorded five tackles and two pass deflections. The 2020 second-round pick has recorded 72 tackles (combined and solo) this season, along with three interceptions and a sack. In a defense full of playmakers, he stands above the rest.
Bill Belichick received some criticism when he selected Dugger at No. 37 overall, given that he played college ball at Lenoir-Rhyne, a small Division II school in North Carolina.
But this is an example of Belichick’s unorthodox drafting paying off. Dugger keeps improving every week, and if the Patriots sneak into the playoffs, he’ll be a big reason why.
