There were a number of players who deserved to get recognition in the Chicago Bears defeat of the Indianapolis Colts, but it is defensive end Adewale Ogunleye who gets the call this week.

Ogunleye was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his contribution in the Bears win.

The veteran defensive end, who registered three tackles and three tackles-for-loss, produced two of the game’s biggest plays. Ogunleye tackled Joseph Addai in the end zone for a safety and dropped Dominic Rhodes for a two-yard loss on fourth-and-1 from the 50 with the Bears protecting a 22-13 lead early in the fourth quarter.

“[It's] well-deserved,” coach Lovie Smith said of the award. “He played hard. He was physical. 

"As far as what he means to our defense, he’s one of our veterans. He sets the pace, not just what he says but what he does on the football field, practice and all. He’s just one of those model veterans that you want on your football team having an influence on the rest of your team.

“I thought he rushed the passer well, but most linemen want to rush the passer. He played the run exceptionally well, and we’ll need that type of effort this week [against the Panthers].”