Patriots quarterback tops AFC honorees

NEW YORK, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- New England quarterback Matt Cassel has been named the AFC's offensive player of the week.

The four-year veteran from Southern California completed 30-of-43 passes for 415 yards in orchestrating the Patriots' 48-28 win over the Miami Dolphins Sunday.

He equaled a career-high with three touchdowns and became fifth signal-caller in NFL history to pass for at least 400 yards in consecutive games. It is the second time this season he earned the honor.

Cassel was joined in the AFC by Baltimore safety Ed Reed (defense) and Oakland kick returner Johnnie Lee Higgins (special teams).

Reed compiled two tackles and two interceptions, one a 108-yard return for a touchdown in the Ravens' 36-7 win over Philadelphia.

Higgins scored on an 89-yard punt return, the third-longest punt return in franchise history when the Raiders beat Denver 31-10.

It was the second straight game Higgins scored on a punt return.