Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby celebrates his big game against Detroit Sunday. Dansby was named NFC defensive player of the week for his efforts.

Karlos Dansby missed two games with a knee injury but did his best to make up for it Sunday.

And after the Cardinals linebacker had two interceptions, a key forced fumble, two passes defensed and four tackles, he was named NFC defensive player of the week Tuesday.

"It was perfect timing," Dansby said of his return, which sparked the Cards to a 31-21 win over Detroit that broke a three-game losing streak.

The Cardinals' defense had a record-setting day behind Dansby, holding the Lions to a modern-day NFL low of minus-18 yards rushing.

Dansby had considered coming back the previous week at Tampa Bay, but feared the long flight would cause his knee some swelling. So the Cardinals waited.

"I give him a lot of credit," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "He didn't make it for (the Tampa) game but it certainly paid off this week."

Dansby, with whom the team is trying to negotiate a contract extension, becomes the third Cardinal this season to win such an award. Cornerback Rod Hood won defensive player of the week honors after a two-interception performance in St. Louis, while Steve Breaston was named NFC special teams player of the week after his 73-yard punt return for a touchdown against Pittsburgh.

Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 11/13/07