NEW YORK, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber, who ended a late drive by Philadelphia in the NFC Championship game, Thursday was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week.
The Buccaneers held a seemingly shaky 20-10 lead when Barber intercepted a pass by Donovan McNabb and returned it 92 yards for a touchdown with 3:12 left in the fourth quarter to send the Bucs to their first Super Bowl.
Barber, who played an outstanding game all around, also had a forced fumble on a blitz, a sack, and four passes defended along as Tampa Bay posted the victory.
"Ronde Barber was all over the place," said Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. "I don't think I've seen a DB make as many plays in one game as he did."
Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon and placekicker Sebastian Janikowski were named NFL Offensive and Special Teams Players of the Week.
Gannon completed 29-of-41 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Raiders to a 41-24 win over Tennessee in the AFC Championship game. His 29 completions set a team playoff record, and he also rushed eight times for 41 yards and a TD.
"He was awesome today," said Raiders center Barret Robbins after the game. "It was like he was on a different level. He just had one of those games."
Janikowski made field goals of 43 and 32 yards, and was 5-for-5 on extra points. He leads all kickers with 23 points in the playoffs.
