Brees highlights Player of the Week awards

Nov 26, 2008 - 5:40 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Wednesday was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week after continuing his record-setting pace this season.

New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel received the corresponding honor in the AFC.

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed and Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber won the Defensive Player of the Week Awards, while Oakland Raiders punt returner Johnnie Lee Higgins and Atlanta Falcons punt returner Harry Douglas were also honored for special teams.

Brees passed for 323 yards and four touchdowns during Monday's 51-29 triumph over the Green Bay Packers. His 157.5 passer rating was the highest of his career.

After his eighth 300-yard passing game of the season, Brees remained the NFL's leader in passing yards with 3,574. He also remains on pace to break Dan Marino's record of 5,084 passing yards in 1984.

Cassel passed for 415 yards and three touchdowns with a rushing score in Sunday's 48-28 victory over the Miami Dolphins. He became the fifth player in NFL history to record 400 yards passing in back-to-back contests.

Barber had three tackles and two interceptions, including a 65-yard TD return, during a 38-20 comeback win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. It was his 11th career touchdown.

Reed made his 100th career start a memorable one, registering two tackles, two pass defenses and two interceptions in Sunday's 36-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Reed returned his second interception 108 yards for a score, setting an NFL record.

Douglas had a solid all-around day during Sunday's 45-28 win over the Carolina Panthers. He had 92 receiving yards, a 7-yard rushing score and a 61-yard punt return for a TD.

Higgins had a punt return touchdown for the second consecutive game, racing for an 89-yard score in a 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.