NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner has been named the AFC Defensive player of the Week for his performance in Tennessee's 38-13 Week 4 victory over the New York Jets.
Verner totaled three takeaways against the Jets, including a career-high two interceptions and a fumble recovery, bringing his season total to six takeaways — four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. His four interceptions are tied with New England's Aqib Talib for the NFL lead through the first four weeks of the season.
On the Jets' second play from scrimmage, he intercepted a Geno Smith pass and recorded a career-long 34-yard return. In the second quarter, he scooped up a fumble by Smith and returned the ball nine yards, and later in the same quarter, he intercepted another pass from Smith. All three takeaways resulted in Titans touchdowns.
The game marked Verner's fourth consecutive game with at least one takeaway to begin the season. He picked off passes in Week 1 (at Pittsburgh) and Week 2 (at Houston), and in Week 3 against San Diego, he recovered a fumble.
Verner's big day marked only the fifth time in the "Titans era" (1999-present) a Titans player recorded three total takeaways in a game and the first time since cornerback Nick Harper (two interceptions, one fumble recovery) at the Houston Texans on Oct. 21, 2007. Cornerback Samari Rolle accomplished the feat twice (three interceptions against Jacksonville on Dec. 26, 1999; two interceptions and one fumble recovery at Houston on Dec. 21, 2003), and Keith Bulluck did it once (three interceptions at New Orleans on Sept. 24, 2007).
Verner already has set a career high with four interceptions this season (three in 2010) and now has 10 in his four-year career.
