Purdue Boilermakers in the NFL: 2014 Season, Week 5

Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle

(99) and middle linebacker

(59) and free safety

(30) react as the Chicago Bears turn the ball over on downs late in the 4th quarter. The Panthers defeated the Bears 31-24 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Kawann Short – DT – Carolina Panthers – Hammer Down Award Winner

After suffering two straight blow-out losses, the Carolina Panthers defense made up for it in the team’s 31-24 victory over the Chicago Bears. They gave up 21 points in the first half, but quieted the Bears offense in the second half, allowing only three points. And to cap off their defensive resurgence in the second half, Short got a strip-sack on Jay Cutler on the Bears final drive. It happened to be Short’s first tackle of the game, but it couldn’t have been bigger. The drive before, Short recovered a fumble by Bears running back Matt Forte, which gave their offense the ball back and they scored the go-ahead touchdown.

It’s safe to say Short had the best performance of the week. Short now has seven tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one recovered fumble for the season.