Ifeatu Melifonwu Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Lions third-year safety earns accolades.

Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. 

The third-year defensive back has performed exceptionally well in each of his last two games. Against the Vikings, he recorded five tackles, two sacks, two passes defensed and the game-clinching interception in the fourth quarter in Detroit's 30-24 triumph. 

Melifonwu earned his first start of the season against the Bears in Week 14, and has emerged as a key part of Detroit's defense. His ability to put pressure on the quarterback in well-timed blitzes has been an asset. He has recorded three sacks and a forced fumble in his last two games. 

"Iffy understands exactly what he's doing now, and I'm not saying he didn't before, but, man, he's just so comfortable at that position of being a safety. That's what I mean when I say now. Because that transition is not easy for everybody, because now you go from being a single-focus guy to, man, I've got to see the field," said Aaron Glenn. "And, that's what he's done a really good job of. I tell you what, if you watch this player in practice, when we go through some of our blitz looks, he does a hell of a job blitzing. You see why he's had the sack production he's had over the last couple of weeks."

For Lions, ‘It’s Hard to Fail’ With Sheila Hamp Running Ship

Melifonwu's production has been key to generating takeaways for the Lions' defense, which has in turn led to wins. 

Glenn has emphasized these takeaways as key to the team having success. With four against the Vikings in Week 16, a trend is developing.

"So hopefully, he can continue that trend, and hopefully for us as a defense, we continue the trend of getting takeaways," Glenn explained. "Because you see them coming in bunches now, all right, I think they've been keys to how we've operated throughout the games, as far as getting these victories. Excited for us as a defense to continue to do that."