Baltimore Ravens' sophomore safety Kyle Hamilton has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 16 in the game against the San Francisco 49ers played on Christmas night last Monday. Congrats, Kyle!
This development marks the first time in Hamilton's young career that he's received this honor after entering the league ahead of last season as a first-round pick by the Ravens. Hamilton was the best defender on the field against the Niners on MNF, racking up a couple of interceptions, five tackles, and three passes defended.
Served up some Christmas K-Ham ❗ pic.twitter.com/TAVAzn0pWx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 27, 2023
Hamilton's first interception occurred on the 49ers' opening drive. He intercepted a pass from quarterback Brock Purdy intended for Deebo Samuel in the end zone.
Later in the game, Hamilton seized a chance to intercept a pass deflected by teammate Marlon Humphrey launched in tight end George Kittle's direction.
The second play was impressive, to say the least, considering Hamilton had been knocked down by a Christian McCaffrey block and then sandwiched to the floor by an offensive lineman. Hamilton never lost track of the ball and ended up with the rock in his hands and giving the possession to the Ravens offense.
According to Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com by way of NFL's Next Gen Stats, Hamilton played six different positions in the game against the 49ers on Christmas. Those included taking snaps at defensive tackle, inside linebacker, edge rusher, safety, outside linebacker, and slot cornerback.
Kyle Hamilton's usage vs. the 49ers is 🤯. (via @NextGenStats)
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) December 27, 2023
DT - 1 snap
ILB - 2 snaps
EDGE - 6 snaps
Safety - 9 snaps
OLB - 14 snaps
Slot - 15 snaps
So far this season, Hamilton has logged four interceptions (including a pick-six), 13 pass breakups, one forced fumble, three sacks, 81 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and a defensive touchdown.
Even with those gaudy numbers, it's hard to envision Hamilton winning the Defensive Player of the Year award as the safety position is not a usual one to get it. However, I don't think it's too crazy to expect Hamilton's name listed among the finalists when the NFL releases such a list a few days from now.
For now, Hamilton is recovering from the left knee injury he suffered last Monday that ruled him out of the final minutes of the match against the 49ers. John Harbaugh said on Wednesday that it's still too early to know about his availability for Sunday's game against Miami, but it's fair to assume he'll play considering his track record.