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Chris Borland Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

The rookie linebacker is the first San Francisco 49ers rookie to win the weekly honor since defensive end Andre Carter won the award in 2001.

Chris Borland took home the Week 11 prize for his 12-tackle, two-interception outing against the New York Giants.

Borland, the 77th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, was named Pepsi Rookie of the Week last week. He's now taken home another honor in just his fourth NFL start. Perhaps even more impressive, Borland, the former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Wisconsin, is tied for San Francisco's team lead with 77 tackles, according to the count of the team's coaching staff.

Borland picked off Eli Manning for his first career interception on Sunday. Twelve tackles later, Borland added a game-sealing interception after fellow rookie Dontae Johnson tipped Manning's fourth-and-goal pass into the air towards the rookie linebacker.

Borland's been the talk of the 49ers in recent weeks. Teammates have praised his work ethic and overall contributions since he's filled in for perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Joe Staley.

Wednesday's award is an indication that the rookie is becoming a national conversation, too.

You can also help Borland win a second straight NFC Rookie of the Week award by voting HERE.

More on Borland's award courtesty of NFL Communications:

-Borland had 12 tackles, including two for a loss, and two interceptions in the 49ers' 16-10 win at the New York Giants. Seven of his 12 tackles came within three yards or behind the line of scrimmage.

-He is the first rookie linebacker in club history to record two interceptions in a game and joins KEN NORTON, JR. (October 22, 1995) as the only 49ers linebackers with two interceptions in a game in the past 40 years.

-His first interception, midway through the second quarter, set up a 49ers' field goal which gave San Francisco a lead it would not relinquish. Borland's second interception came on a fourth-and-goal play from the 49ers' four-yard line with San Francisco holding a six-point (16-10) lead late in the fourth quarter.

-Borland was part of a defensive unit that had five interceptions and allowed only 330 total net yards.

-In his rookie year from Wisconsin, this is Borland's first career Player of the Week Award.

-He joins ANDRE CARTER (Week 17, 2001) as the only 49ers rookies to win Defensive Player of the Week.

-Borland joins RAY FARMER (Philadelphia, Week 14, 1996) as the only rookie linebackers drafted in the third round or later to be named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

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