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Hentrich played a pivotal role on special teams as Tennessee extended its win streak to 12 consecutive regular season games in a 21-14 win over Chicago. Facing a talented Bears special teams unit led by PR-WR DEVIN HESTER and strong wind gusts at Soldier Field, Hentrich punted eight times for 302 yards (37.8 average) and matched a career-high with five punts inside the 20-yard line. The 15-year veteran helped limit the Bears' average starting point to their 21-yard line. Tennessee's special teams captain is tied for first in the NFL with 20 punts inside the 20-yard line through Week 10 (BRAD MAYNARD).
In his 15th season from Notre Dame, this is Hentrich's fifth career Special Teams Player of the Week Award and his fourth with the Titans/Oilers. He most recently won the award in 2003 (Week 16).
OFFENSE: QB JAY CUTLER, DENVER BRONCOS
In a Thursday night primetime thriller against the Browns, Cutler completed 24 of 42 passes (57.1 percent) for a career-high 447 yards with three touchdowns versus one interception and a 107.9 passer rating in a 34-30 comeback win. The leader of the AFC's top-ranked offense, Cutler's 447 passing yards were the most in a game by an AFC quarterback in 2008. Cutler recorded all three of his touchdowns in the fourth quarter, starting with a 93-yard strike to rookie wide receiver EDDIE ROYAL. His second touchdown came on a 28-yard toss to tight end DANIEL GRAHAM. Late in the fourth quarter, the third-year quarterback posted his third score of the game on an 11-yard game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver BRANDON MARSHALL.
In his third season from Vanderbilt, this is Cutler's first AFC Offensive Player of the Week Award. He joins JOHN ELWAY, BRIAN GRIESE, GARY KUBIAK and JAKE PLUMMER as the fifth Broncos quarterback to win the award.
DEFENSE: LB RAY LEWIS, BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Ravens passionate and vocal leader, Lewis posted a team-high nine tackles, two interceptions and two passes defensed as Baltimore defeated the Texans 41-13, earning their fourth win in a row. The All-Star linebacker recorded the third two-interception game of his career, marking the first time since 2001 (12/23 against Cincinnati) that he accomplished the feat. Lewis and the Ravens defense limited Houston to 75 rushing yards on the day, which extended the NFL's longest current streak (28 games) of not allowing a 100-yard rusher. Lewis leads the league's second ranked defense with 92 tackles through Week 10.
In his 13th year from Miami, this is Lewis' seventh career Defensive Player of the Week Award. He joins TERRELL SUGGS as the second Ravens linebacker to win the award in 2008.
