Cody Barton played a big game for the Denver Broncos against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 and he has been rewarded for that performance.
Barton was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, becoming the first Broncos linebacker to receive that award in six years. Von Miller in 2018 was the last to do it. Still, Barton couldn't completely celebrate the feat as a dropped interception early in the game bothered him.
“I mean, my wife gave me (grief) for it. My Dad called me. Everyone’s called me talking about it. Even guys today gave me” a hard time at practice Wednesday. I made sure to catch some extra balls after practice. Zach (Wilson) threw me some balls. But yeah, that was definitely something that stuck with me all weekend. It was in my head."
Barton did come up with eight tackles, one sack, a forced fumbled and a fumble recovery that he picked up and returned 52 yards for a touchdown. He had a non-stop motor in New Orleans and appeared to be in on just about every play on defense.
Wreaked havoc. 😤
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 23, 2024
RT to congratulate Cody Barton on being named AFC Defensive Player of the Week!
📰 » https://t.co/Lq6bD5QKPX pic.twitter.com/naKxVK4dGt
This is especially big for the Broncos who lost their best inside linebacker, Alex Singleton, to a season-ending injury. Since then, Barton and Justin Strnad have stepped up and played great football.
Barton became the third Broncos player this season to win a weekly award as Pat Surtain II was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Week in Week 5 and Wil Lutz earned Special Teams Player of the Week earlier this season.
Barton will look to carry that momentum into Week 8 when the Broncos host the Carolina Panthers.
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