Something beautiful happened today that I think most Patriots fans never dreamed would occur this season.
Defensive end Andre Carter picked up the AFC's defensive player of the week award after his stellar performance (4.5 sacks, 3 knockdowns, hurry) against the Jets on Sunday night. Not only did he set a Patriots record for sacks in a single game but he also showed why he is the key for the defense the rest of the season.
With nine sacks and 38 tackles this season, Carter reminded Patriots fans how much a pass rush can help to cover up other weaknesses on a defense, namely a terrible secondary that's riddled with injuries and bums.
The 8.5 quarterback pressures that Carter alone had in the vital win against the Jets topped his previous high of 7.5 the week before against the Giants. At this point, it's not hyperbole to say that he's been New England's best defensive player (granted that's analogous to being Summa Cum Laude at Florida State).
The last Patriots defender to receive player of the week honors was former safety James Sanders from last season, Week 10 against the Colts (remember his interception that sealed it?).
Carter also won the award, in his rookie year (2001) with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.
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