Like quarterback Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib may have played his best game as a pro in last week’s 38-35 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Talib was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 8 following his two-interception performance against the Cardinals.

The third-year cornerback recorded seven tackles and two clutch interceptions to help give the Buccaneers their franchise-tying fifth straight road victory. The first interception came in the second quarter when Talib picked off Arizona quarterback Max Hall. Talib got into the endzone from 45 yards out to give the Bucs a 21-14 lead. It was the first pick-six of Talib’s career.

His second interception sealed the game for Tampa Bay. With the Cardinals down by 3 points, backup quarterback Derek Anderson tried to hit wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald on a slant route. Talib made a great play on the ball and hopped in front of Fitzgerald to end the Cardinals’ drive with just over two minutes to go.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Talib is the second Buccaneer to win a Player of the Week award this season. Freeman won the Offensive Player of the Week award in Week 5 following his 280-yard, one touchdown performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. He is the first Buccaneers defensive player to win the award since fellow cornerback Ronde Barber won the award in 2008.

Talib now has five interceptions in six games this season. That ranks him second in the NFC behind Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (6).