Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis was today named by the NFL the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. He recorded two fourth-quarter interceptions and two passes defensed to help lead the Jaguars (2-0) to a 9-0 shutout victory at home over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mathis, who leads the NFL with three interceptions, increased his career total to 15, tying Aaron Beasley (1996-01) for the most in Jaguars history. The game marked the first time since 1981 that a defending Super Bowl champion was shut out (Oakland) as well as the fewest rushing yards gained by the Steelers (26 on 14 carries) in Bill Cowher's 15 years as head coach. The 26 rushing yards allowed was also a team record for Jacksonville. Mathis and the Jacksonville defense did not allow a single rushing first down in the game, nor did they permit Pittsburgh to advance the ball beyond the Jaguars' 46-yard line the entire evening.

In his fourth season from Bethune-Cookman, this is the Mathis' second Player of the Week honor. He is the first Jaguars defender to win the honor since Mike Peterson won in Week 10 last year.