Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Hilton named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

After another memorable performance from Mike Hilton, the Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 16.

Six tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble aren’t usually the stat line for a cornerback. For Mike Hilton, though, it’s just another week in the books against the Houston Texans.

The 5-foot 9-inch corner was never expected to be a starter. But when he was given the chance, Hilton turned his Steelers career into a remarkable season. Now, he’s become one of the most impactful players on the team, earning his first AFC Defensive Player of the Week award of his career.

Hilton has become a star on this defense, accumulating 44 tackles, four sacks, and an interception on the year. Working out of the nickel for most of the season, Hilton is an inside force that has made play after player for this team.

Heading into the season, his role will remain high. This team could use as much firepower as they can accumulate, and despite the amount of corners on this roster, he’s secured his spot on the starting lineup for the future.

The Steelers enter Week 17 with a first-round playoff bye secured and the hopes of the AFC title in site. Although they need a little help to earn homefield advantage, they’re staying optimistic the New York Jets can hand the New England Patriots a loss and send the AFC through Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh’s Week 17 matchup with the Browns should send plenty of starters to the locker room early. Artie Burns and Joe Haden might find themselves on the sideline by halftime depending on the score, which could give Hilton some outside work before the playoffs.

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Cleveland’s 0-15 record isn’t much of a threat for the Steelers. With one game standing between them and postseason, this matchup should be an easy game before a their first-round bye.