Colts Middle Linebacker Brackett Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
INDIANAPOLIS – This past Sunday, Gary Brackett made a memorable play that kept the Colts from slipping two games under .500 for the first time in seven seasons.
On Wednesday, Brackett was honored for the effort.
Brackett, a sixth-year veteran middle linebacker, on Sunday returned a fumble 68 yards for a key touchdown in the Colts' come-from-behind, 31-27 victory over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. On Wednesday, Brackett was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week.
Brackett, who played collegiately at Rutgers and who also is the Colts' defensive captain, scored his third career touchdown on a bizarre play that helped the Colts rally from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit.
With the Colts trailing, 27-17, following an unsuccessful onside kick, Texans quarterback Sage Rosenfels rushed for seven yards on 3rd-and-8 from the Colts 39. As he was about to be tackled, he leaped into the air, was hit by Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson, then defensive tackle Raheem Brock's hit separated Rosenfels from the ball.
Brackett returned the fumble 68 yards for a touchdown to make it, 27-24, Texans with 3:36 remaining.
On the Texans' next series, Colts defensive end Robert Mathis recovered a fumble that led to a touchdown pass from Colts quarterback Peyton Manning to wide receiver Reggie Wayne, a play that gave the Colts a 31-27 victory.
