Bud Dupree is having his best season yet and his play hasn't gone unnoticed.
Dupree was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Steelers win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Heinz Field.
Dupree had three tackles, two sacks, three hits on the quarterback and a forced fumble that he recovered.
"Mike Tomlin challenged our side the most, and Bud took that to heart," said Cameron Heyward. "All we heard all week was, 'They've got ones on their side.' And I kept telling Bud, 'We've got ones on our side, too.'"
One of his biggest plays came late in the fourth quarter, with just 1:20 to play in the game. The Colts were facing a third-and-1 from the Steelers' 22-yard line and Dupree knocked Marlon Mack for a three-yard loss.
"I think that last one was better, but everybody wants to get sacks," said Dupree. "Sacks are always the No. 1 priority. But at the end of the game like that, that was a statement.
"When coaches come hug you, you know it's a big play."
The Colts were forced to attempt a field goal that would give them the lead, but Adam Vinatieri missed.
"He's playing really well," said T.J. Watt. "I'm really happy for Bud. The potential has always been there, and it's truly showing. I'm just so happy to see the hard work pay off because he works his butt off."
Dupree leads the Steelers in tackles for loss (8), and is second in sacks (6), quarterback hits (9) and forced fumbles (2).
"It's opportunities and also just preparation," said Dupree. "I took my game to a different level. It's just been different moments where we come together as a unit and make stuff happen on the field and off the field."
