In Week 7, the Denver Broncos defense stuffed the New Orleans Saints to only 10 points on Thursday Night Football, and the player with the biggest impact was linebacker Cody Barton.
Barton finished Thursday’s game with eight tackles (six solo), one sack, one quarterback hit, one pass defended and a 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Following that impressive performance, Barton was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Head coach Sean Payton spoke about Barton’s achievement on Wednesday. “I’m proud of (Barton),” said Payton. “Certainly, when you look at the game, he was one of the guys on defense that got a game ball. It was a real good game for him.”
Barton also had the opportunity to address the media about the weekly award. “It was an honor getting that award,” Barton said. “It makes me feel good, but also it makes me happy for my teammates as well. I know there’s a lot of plays that I couldn’t have made — like the touchdown at the end — if my teammates aren’t in the backfield making plays. As shiny as it was individually getting an award, I attribute it to my teammates.”
The Broncos defense limited the Saints to 271 total yards and forced two turnovers. Barton has been filling in for injured Denver linebacker Alex Singleton as the defense’s signal-caller.
“The good thing about this defense and something I love about this defense is everyone eats,” Barton said. “You don’t know who’s day it is going to be. In this defense, everyone makes plays and everyone has the chance to eat. It’s a lot of fun.”
The Broncos will look to have another stellar defensive performance on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
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