After turning back the clock on Christmas, looking very much a player in his prime, veteran safety Harrison Smith has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. The vintage performance from Smith helped the Vikings roll to a 23-10 win over the Detroit Lions. He finished the game with one sack, two tackles for a loss, one interception, and three passes defended. The splash plays from Smith highlighted a dominant display from the defense as the Vikings forced the Lions into six turnovers. It’s still unclear if Smith plans to retire once this season wraps up. He’s been a star for the Vikings since being selected in the first round 2012 NFL Draft, and if he decides to hang the cleats up for good, it’s fitting that he earned another accolade on his way out the door. Asked about Smith earlier this week, defensive coordinator Brian Flores referred to him as one of the best players he’s ever been around. The stats speak for themselves in that respect as Smith now has 1,180 tackles, 21 1/2 sacks, and 39 interceptions across 202 games in his career. Related Articles What’s next for Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores? Former Vikings WR Stefon Diggs facing strangulation, assault charges Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams is a Hall of Fame finalist J.J. McCarthy is progressing for the Vikings. Will he play against the Packers? The Loop Fantasy Football Update Week 17: Last-minute moves ...read more read less