Rasul Douglas’ standout play for the Miami Dolphins after signing right before the start of the season has been a revelation, and now he’s earned recognition for it.
Douglas, the veteran cornerback, was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday after his performance in the Dolphins’ win Sunday against the New York Jets.
An East Orange, New Jersey native playing back in his home region at MetLife Stadium, Douglas intercepted a pass for the second consecutive game and recorded two tackles and a whopping five pass breakups, which led the NFL in Week 14.
Douglas’ recognition is the third time a Dolphin has won the award this season. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks has won it twice, after wins in Weeks 8 and 11. Miami also had running back De’Von Achane named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November.
It’s the first time Douglas, who has played nine seasons with five different teams, has been named a Defensive Player of the Week.
He has been exceptional for the Dolphins after signing within two weeks of the start of the regular season. He has allowed an opposing passer rating when targeted of 67.6 in 11 games and nine starts.
Douglas’ other interception for the Dolphins this season came seven days earlier, when cut off an underneath route to the outside against the New Orleans Saints and nearly returned the interception for a touchdown. He did that after returning from missing two games with a foot/ankle injury.
The Dolphins (6-7) go into Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) on a four-game winning streak, due in large part to the efforts of the defense and run game.