The NFL has announced that Patriots' safety Brandon Meriweather is the recipient of this week's AFC Defensive Player of the Week award, the first of the third-year player's career.

Meriweather pulled in his first two interceptions of the season on Sunday against Tampa Bay, both in the first quarter, and he returned the first 39 yards for his first career touchdown.

It is the third time this season a New England player has won player of the week; Tom Brady was recognized after weeks one (Buffalo) and six (Tennessee).