Marcell Dareus named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Sep 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans Buffalo Bills' defensive lineman Marcell Dareus has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills’ defensive lineman Marcell Dareus has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, per the team’s website, after his stifling Week 5 performance against the Detroit Lions. Marcell Dareus totaled three sacks and multiple tackles for losses in the absence of defensive leader Kyle Williams. In what was arguably his best game as a pro, his defensive efforts helped the Buffalo offense come back from a 14-0 deficit to give the Bills a 17-14 win.

More from Buffalo Bills

The Bills held Detroit to season-lows on yardage. They managed only 69 yards rushing and went 1-for-11 on third down conversions as Matthew Stafford was constantly harassed on a day in which the Bills blitzed only four times. Stafford managed only 221 yards passing with Calvin Johnson effectively out of the game. It was up to Marcell Dareus, Stefan Charles, Jerry Hughes, and Mario Williams to provide the pressure and provide they did.

Marcell Dareus has grown tremendously this season after the expectations were lowered for him following multiple off-field violations, an arrest, and a delay in his training camp because he arrived out of shape. All of those struggles are in the past now as Marcell Dareus led the Bills when the team needed him most.

Now at 3-2, the Bills are hoping that Marcell Dareus can continue on his torrid pace (he has sacks in three straight games) against the 3-2 New England Patriots, who visit Buffalo in Week 6 in what will be a game for AFC East supremacy.

More from FanSided

Home/Buffalo Bills