New Orleans Saints LB Junior Galette Named NFC Defensive Player Of The Week

Oct 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette (93) yells out to the fans in the final minutes of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette (93) yells out to the fans in the final minutes of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after tallying two sacks and a forced fumble in the team’s 28-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

The NFL has named New Orleans Saints linebacker Junior Galette the NFC Defensive Player of the Week, per PFT, after his performance on Thursday Night Football against the Carolina Panthers. Galette had two sacks and a forced fumble as the Saints won in Carolina, 28-10, to take control of the NFC South.

More from New Orleans Saints

Galette has been a rising star in New Orleans since his career year last season and he doesn’t look to be slowing down in 2014. He’s tallied six sacks this season after having 12 in 2013. He was a major part of their defensive resurgence last season and he has helped to restore respectability to Rob Ryan’s defensive unit this season after the team had a brutal start.

Galette’s forced fumble came on a sack against Panthers QB Cam Newton, giving the Saints the ball deep in Panthers territory. Running back Mark Ingram would finish the ensuing drive with a rushing touchdown.

The fifth-year veteran’s surge to the top of the Saints’ depth chart came out of nowhere for the rest of the league. The most sacks Galette had tallied prior to 2013 was 4.5. Now under Rob Ryan, it seems that Galette has found a home as a resident sack machine and potential Pro Bowl presence. If the Saints can continue to get this level of defense to aid Drew Brees and the offense, the team could be a serious force in the NFC playoffs.

More from FanSided