FLOWERY BRANCH – Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after he caused two turnovers to help Atlanta to a 34-18 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Grimes intercepted a pass against Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on their second drive in the second half and returned it 11 yards to the Seattle 48-yard line to set up a 25-yard field goal from Matt Bryant.

On the Seahawks next possession, Grimes tipped a pass into the arms of safety William Moore to set up a Falcons touchdown late in the third quarter. Atlanta’s defense forced three turnovers on consecutive drives that led to 17 unanswered points.

Grimes finished the game with a team-high five passes defensed, setting a new franchise record with a NFL-leading 22 knockdowns this season. The third-year pro out of Shippensburg is tied for the team lead with five interceptions this season after leading to club with six interceptions in 2009.