Cliff Avril has been named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week for his play in the Detroit Lions game against the Denver Broncos. The Lions defensive end finished the game with three tackles, including two sacks that led to fumbles, recovering one and returning it 24 yards for his first-career touchdown.
"It's cool to get a little recognition out of all the hard work you put in day-in and day-out," Avril said in the release issued by the team. "I definitely appreciate this - for them to want to give me, out of all the players that are in our conference, this award."
Avril also impressed SB Nation's Pride of Detroit as Sean Yuille wrote about Avril in his weekly game ball column.
One of Martin Mayhew's biggest priorities right now has to be locking up Lions defensive end Cliff Avril to a long-term deal. Avril is currently on a one-year contract, and with the way he has played so far this season, his value is going up every week, as evidenced by Sunday's game against the Broncos.
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On the season, Avril has 17 tackles, five sacks, two pass defenses and three forced fumbles. He set a career-high in sacks a year ago with 8.5 in 13 games, and this year he is on pace for 10 sacks. Needless to say, it's time to pay the man and make sure he is set to be a Lion for years to come.
The Lions seem to be set up with a solid defensive line for the definitive future, especially if they're able to lock-up Avril longterm.