New York, NY – New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber and Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey have been chosen as the NFC's top players for Week 3 of the NFL season.
Manning completed 16-of-23 passes for 254 and four touchdowns in the Giants' 29-16 win at Philadelphia. Manning's passer rating of 145.7 was his single- game high (minimum 20 attempts).
Manning also became the first Eagles opponent to throw for at least four touchdown passes in a victory at Philadelphia since 1989, when San Francisco's Joe Montana passed for five touchdowns.
Barber claimed the defensive award after recording an interception, a fumble recovery, four tackles and three passes defensed in the Buccaneers' 16-13 win over Atlanta.
Making his 186th consecutive start, Barber was part of a defensive unit that allowed just 30 rushing yards.
Bailey won the special teams award after making all six field-goal attempts, including the game-winning 40-yarder with 1:47 remaining in the Cowboys' 18-16 victory over Washington.
Bailey is the first Cowboys kicker to be honored since Week 5, 2007 (Nick Folk).
Other nominees for the offensive award included New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who completed 31-of-44 passes for 370 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the Saints' 40-33 win over Houston, and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, who had three catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive consideration went to Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen, who had three sacks, a forced fumble and six tackles in the Vikings' 26-23 loss to Detroit; Packers safety Morgan Burnett, who had six tackles and two interceptions in a 27-17 win at Chicago; and Dallas linebacker Sean Lee, who had eight tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Tampa Bay kicker Connor Barth and Lions kicker Jason Hanson were nominated for the special teams honor.
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