Getty Images

The Saints came away with a rare road win and control of the NFC South last week thanks to their defense.

So it stands to reason the guy who led that charge should be rewarded.

Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette was named NFC defensive player of the week for his role in the division win.

He had a pair of sacks of Cam Newton, one of them forcing a fumble deep in Panthers territory. That was turned into a touchdown two plays later by running back Mark Ingram, leading to the 28-10 win.

He has 6.0 sacks this season, on pace to match his 12.0 from last year, when he blossomed into the pass-rusher the Saints have so desperately needed.