The Vikings defeated the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, getting the team's first win of the season. The win can mostly be attributed to the defense, who had an incredible day. 

Perhaps no one contributed more to the victory than Harrison Smith. The veteran safety collected 14 tackles, three sacks, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits. One of Smith's sacks led to a fumble and a 51-yard touchdown. 

However, Smith's massive day apparently wasn't enough to receive NFC player of the week honors. 

Seattle Seahawks corner Devon Witherspoon was chosen by the NFL for the honors instead. Witherspoon did have a great game, returning an interception for a 97-yard score and collecting two sacks. 

However, the Seahawks absolutely routed the New York Giants, and would have still won without Witherspoon's TD. 

The Vikings, meanwhile, could not have come away with a win without Smith. As mentioned above, one of Smith's sacks led to a scoop-and-score TD and another essentially ended the game. 

Minnesota Vikings Safety Harrison Smith became the only player in NFL history to have 14+ tackles, 3+ sacks, and 1 forced fumble in a single NFL game. pic.twitter.com/bzUHdAWlpO

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) October 4, 2023

Becoming the first player in NFL history to accomplish a feat should definitely be worthy of a player of the week award. 

So far in 2023, the veteran safety has collected 17 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. 

Vikings Wednesday injury report: Key starter back at practice

The Minnesota Vikings almost had full participation on Wednesday.

Featured image via © Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports