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By Derek Fleming, staff writer, WNFC
Oregon Ravens tight end and defensive tackle Brittany O’Connor has been named Pacific Conference Player of the Week for Week 5. Playing in warmer-than-usual conditions, O’Connor made her presence felt on both offense and defense.
"It's rare to have a defense that outscores your offense, but thanks to players like Brittany O'Connor, the Ravens have one thing going for them! Brittany is in her first year playing women's tackle football and plays with more heart than most rookies,” Ravens coaches said when nominating her this week. “It certainly showed in our game versus LA, where Brittany could be seen sacking the QB, recovering fumbles, securing the ball on kick return, making catches on offense, and returning an interception for a touchdown. I don't know what else she could have possibly done to earn POTW!"
O’Connor posted excellent numbers and was one of the key reasons the Ravens nearly pulled off a late-game comeback. She recorded 49 yards on four receptions at the TE position after having spent time this season on the line. Her defensive numbers were monstrous; 12 total tackles with three for losses, two sacks, three fumble recoveries, and a pick-six that went 26 yards.
“We studied a lot of film,” O’Connor said. “My pick-six, for example, was just a proper read and I busted my butt to make sure I made the play. I’ve got to give credit to our defense for my fumble recoveries. It was other players that forced the fumbles, I just reacted quickly and got on the ball.”
O’Connor said that she is proud of her team for continuing to grow and get better each week, particularly with fundamentals like cleaning up penalties.
O’Connor leads the Ravens in receptions and receiving yards after her Week 5 performance which was her first reception of the season. Her defensive performance also jumped her into third overall in tackles, first in sacks, and her pick-six is the first of the season for the Ravens and one of only three touchdowns scored this season.
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