Jaguars: DE Calais Campbell wins DPOTW award

Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell was rewarded for his three-sack effort against Tennessee by being named the Defensive Player of the Week.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced that Calais Campbell has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in a Week 3 victory over the Tennessee Titans. This is the second time a team player has been recognized for his play on the field this season. Quarterback Gardner Minshew was named the Pepsi Rookie of the Week for his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.

"Per John Oehser of Jaguars.com, “Campbell is the first Jaguars player to earn AFC Player of the Week honors since wide receiver/punt returner Jaydon Mickens earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in 2017 Week 14. He became the first Jaguars player named AFC Defensive Player of the Week since cornerback A.J. Bouye earned the honor in 2017 Week 10.”"

And at 33-years-old, Campbell remains the heart and soul of this defense and the leader both in the locker room and on the field.

"“Campbell is the lone player in Jaguars history with multiple three-sack games, and he has six multi-sack games since joining the franchise in 2017,” Oehser added.“Campbell’s 28 sacks since joining the Jaguars rank third in the NFL during that span.”"

The front office signed Campbell as a free agent prior to the 2017 season, which is arguably the best move the team has made in free agency in the history of the franchise. This season, his role has switched a bit with the addition of Josh Allen to the front four. Campbell has spent time at defensive tackle, moving Allen into the starting lineup, opposite Yannick Ngakoue.

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
• Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
• Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
• Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways

Ngakoue has spoken many times how Campbell has helped him in his career to become a better player, which is the same thing he has done for defensive tackle Taven Bryan and Allen.

"“His drive alone is unmatched,” Ngakoue said when asked about his teammate."

Campbell and Ngakoue have formed one of the more feared pass rush combinations in the NFL the past two seasons. Adding Allen, the team’s first-round pick out of Kentucky in April gives the team another big body with speed to burn. Allen had his first two sacks of the season last Thursday night against Tennessee.

"“Preparation doesn’t change for him. He’s doing the same thing he was doing a couple of years ago when he was having his All-Pro year. His preparation is key,” Ngakoue added “It’s what helps him thrive. He’ll tell me he might not be as fast as he wants to be because he’s getting older, but his understanding of the game is raised. When you know the play is coming before it comes … Bro: you’re going to make plays all day long.”"