Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu was named NFC defensive player of the week.

Tyrann Mathieu has been saying this, his third NFL year, will be his "savage season."

The safety is off to a good start.

Mathieu had his first two interceptions of the season against the 49ers Sunday, including one returned for a touchdown, and for his effort was named the NFC's defensive player of the week. His award comes a week after teammates Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson earned NFC honors for offensive and special teams player of the week for the game against the Bears.

Combined with Justin Bethel's interception return for a touchdown, the Cardinals became the first team in NFL history to have two interception returns for scores in the first six minutes of a game.

"You practice and practice so hard," Mathieu said. "Especially me, coming off of the knee injury. Most people probably didn't think I was coming back to perform. I think it is always good to go out there and play your best for your teammates."

This season, Mathieu has 17 tackles, three for loss, and five passes defensed.