Tag: award

Broncos LB Cody Barton named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Congrats to Broncos linebacker Cody Barton for being named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Saints!

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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Broncos QB Bo Nix nominated for weekly NFL award

Go vote for Broncos quarterback Bo Nix for the Rookie of the Week award!

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has received a nomination for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award on NFL.com for Week 7.

Nix, who helped the Broncos to a 33-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints last Thursday, has Denver rolling with a 4-3 record. In the win against New Orleans, Nix completed 16 of 26 attempts (61.5 percent) for 164 yards. Nix would also rush for 75 yards.

Due to his steady performance, he was nominated for Week 7’s Rookie of the Week award. He faces stiff competition from Drake Maye, Keon Coleman, and Brock Bowers. Will he win? Time will tell, but the honor is great nonetheless.

Nix and his Broncos will face off against the Carolina Panthers this week. A win will put the Broncos two games over .500 and may make them contenders for the playoff race. Congrats to Nix, though, for the nomination, as his play has helped steer the Broncos to a winning record. 

Fans can vote for Nix on NFL.com/Rookies.

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Is T.J. Watt running away with the Defensive Player of the Year race?

After two-forced fumbles and a dominant Week 6 performance overall, is T.J Watt running away with the D.P.O.Y race?

The wounds of the ‘Steel City’ faithful haven’t quite healed since T.J. Watt was snubbed for Defensive Player of the Year last season. To make matters worse, the award went to perhaps the most disliked man in all of Pittsburgh—Myles Garrett. Garrett’s impact on the Browns’ defense couldn’t be denied, but he was voted the 2023 D.P.O.Y with stats that, if Watt had produced them, Steelers fans would have considered it a down year. 

Fast forward to the current season, and Watt finds himself in a similar position—lower-than-usual sack numbers but dominant performances week in and week out. He’s currently in the top fifteen for sacks and leads this group of pass rushers in tackles. Watt also ranks in the top five for tackles for loss and is tied for first in quarterback hits, while also second in forced fumbles.

If Garrett won his award for being a game-wrecker in 2023, then Watt should absolutely be considered the favorite to win in 2024, as his presence on the field allows the defense not only to force turnovers but also to take over the game entirely. 

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Broncos CB Pat Surtain named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Congrats to Broncos CB Pat Surtain for being named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week!

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following the team’s 34-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5.

Surtain totaled three tackles, two pass breakups and two interceptions (including a 100-yard pick-six) during Sunday’s win.

Surtain has now recorded 14 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions through five games this fall.

“He made a good play,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Surtain’s pick-six. “He made a real good play. The significance of the play is it is a 10-point play because they are probably at a minimum going to kick a field goal from where it happened at. That was a huge play for us.

“At that point, all of a sudden now it is 10-7. This game constantly goes back and forth. When you score on defense, you win 80 percent of the time, and then three turnovers to none. Certainly, it was a huge play, at least a 10-point play.”

This marks the second Player of the Week award for Surtain in his career (Week 12 in 2021). It’s also the second time a Broncos player has taken home such honors this season (kicker Wil Lutz in Week 3). Surtain is the fifth defender in franchise history to win multiple Player of the Week awards, joining Aqib Talib (twice), Dre’Mont Jones (twice), Karl Mecklenburg (three times) and Von Miller (four times).

Surtain has earned two Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro selection through his first three seasons in the NFL. Now in his fourth year, PS2 is well on his way to more accolades this fall, and he is an early contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

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Chris Jones earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week award after two-sack performance vs. Chargers

#Chiefs DL Chris Jones was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his two-sack performance against the #Chargers on Sunday.

Chris Jones earned the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his two-sack performance in the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Jones, who is among the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers, helped keep the Chiefs’ undefeated record intact and made his presence felt against the Chargers’ offensive line.

With Jones’ help, Kansas City’s defense shut out Los Angeles in the second half after giving up 10 points early in the game.

The veteran defensive lineman was the only Chiefs player to register a sack in Week 4, though Kansas City’s defensive effort against the Chargers was a well-rounded team effort.

Though awards like this serve to recognize outstanding individual performances, Jones won’t be able to take his foot off the gas if the Chiefs intend to remain undefeated after their Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Expect Kansas City’s resident sack-master to put on a show when Kansas City faces the Saints on “Monday Night Football” at Arrowhead Stadium.

2 Broncos players nominated for Rookie of the Week award

Broncos QB Bo Nix and OLB Dondrea Tillman have been nominated for the Rookie of the Week award. Go vote!

Two Denver Broncos players have been nominated for the Rookie of the Week award following a 26-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (216 passing yards, no turnovers, 47 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown) and outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman (three tackles, two sacks) have been nominated for the award on NFL.com.

Nix secured the first win of his NFL career on Sunday and Tillman became Denver’s first player since at least 1970 to record two sacks in his NFL debut.

Nix and Tillman will face some tough competition in the voting:

  • QB Jayden Daniels: 293 yards, 3 TDs
  • WR Malik Nabers: 78 yards, 2 TDs
  • WR Rome Odunze: 112 yards, 1 TD
  • QB Caleb Williams: 363 yards, 2 TDs

Daniels won the award last week and New York Jets running back Braelon Allen won in Week 1. This is the first time this season the Broncos have had a player nominated for a weekly award.

Fans can vote for Nix and Tillman until Thursday morning on NFL.com.

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Alvin Kamara voted as FedEx Ground Player of the Week

After crossing the century mark and rushing for 3 touchdowns, Saints RB Alvin Kamara was named FedEx ground player of the week.

Alvin Kamara continues to be recognized for his impact performance against the Dallas Cowboys. The New Orleans Saints running back was voted the FedEx Ground Player of the Week alongside Kyler Murray, who was the FedEx Air Player of the Week.

Kamara rushed for 115 yards in Week 2 and added an additional three rushing touchdowns on the day. Those totals put him in the top five for yardage and make him the leading scorer in the position for the week.

His three rushing touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys would have been good enough to lead the league for the season. Add in his touchdown run versus the Carolina Panthers and Kamara has double the amount of touchdown runs as the next closest running back.

Kamara looks rejuvenated and his ability to get into the end zone is the greatest showcase of that. In his prime, Kamara was a touchdown machine. Through two games, that has been the case again.

It’s also the biggest reason he’s the FedEx Ground Player of the Week for the fifth time in his storied NFL career.

2 Broncos players made PFF’s 2024 All-Preseason Team

Broncos QB Bo Nix and OLB Jonah Elliss made Pro Football Focus’ All-Preseason Team this summer.

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix and pass rusher Jonah Elliss both made Pro Football Focus‘ All-Preseason Team this summer. While it’s obviously not the equivalent to an All-Pro nod, it is a good sign for the team’s future.

Nix had an excellent preseason, going 23-of-30 passing for 211 yards and two touchdowns while completing just under 77% of his passes. Yes, it was only preseason, but it was enough to land the starting job over Jarrett Stidham.

Elliss also had a strong showing in preseason. The third-round draft pick totaled six pressures, two sacks and one forced fumble in preseason. His pressures also forced two interceptions.

The Broncos will kick off their 2024 NFL season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 8. Nix will start in Seattle and Elliss will likely serve as a rotational pass rusher. They both appear to have bright futures in Denver turning in impressive performances in preseason.

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce hints at career after NFL in award speech

Check out what #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce had to say during a speech at the K.C. Sports awards.

Kansas City Chiefs veteran tight end Travis Kelce appeared at the KC Sports Awards on Tuesday. He was given some time to speak to the crowd after accepting the Polsinelli Sportsman of the Year award, reflecting on his 12 years in the NFL.

In his time on the mic after receiving the Polsinelli Sportsman award, Kelce spoke about his level of freedom in Andy Reid’s offense, which seems to have contributed to his incredible success on the field, having the confidence in making those wild plays that lead to scores.

In wrapping up he also touched on the idea that he won’t always be in the NFL and thanked Kansas City for supporting the Chiefs.

Harold R. Kuntz, a sports anchor at Kansas City’s FOX 4, attended the awards and shared footage of the Hall of Fame tight end to his Twitter account.

 

Though Travis Kelce is not done earning awards for his time in the NFL he appears to have his sights set on what lies ahead.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes won ‘Best Male Athlete’ at 2024 ESPY Awards

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes won the “Best Male Athlete” award at Thursday’s ESPY Awards.

Patrick Mahomes swept both of his individual ESPY Award nominations on Thursday night, taking home the title of “Best Male Athlete of the Year” for the second consecutive year after it was announced that he would win the “Best NFL Player” on Wednesday afternoon.

In a category that featured Los Angeles Angels/Dodgers all-star Shohei Ohtani, champion golfer Scottie Scheffler, and Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, the Kansas City Chiefs superstar emerged victorious in back-to-back years. Comedian Nikki Glaser presented the award to head coach Andy Reid, who accepted it on Mahomes’ behalf and delivered a supportive speech for the reigning Super Bowl MVP.

“I’ve been around this kid for a few years now, and to watch him grow as a teammate and leader has been phenomenal. But really, more than that, to watch him grow as a father and husband has probably been the best part of that. It’s a real tribute to him.” said Reid. “We’re very lucky to have him in Kansas City. All of us are in the National Football League, but really, in Kansas City, we appreciate all he does for the city in itself and, obviously, for the organization.”

Mahomes finished 2023 with 4,183 yards passing and 27 touchdowns. He showed his grit and perseverance in the postseason by winning two road games, winning his third Super Bowl MVP, and leading the Chiefs to their third Lombardi Trophy in five years.

“On behalf of Patrick, he knows this is a team award; he would want me to make sure that I say he is all about the team. I’ve heard people get up here, some great coaches get up here and talk and do a phenomenal job, and players, likewise athletes. But this kid comes in the huddle every day, every practice, and says, Let’s be great.” said Reid. “It doesn’t come out like it’s corny, right? The guys respect and understand it, and that’s how he goes about his business on and off the field. My hat goes off to him for that. And again, on behalf of Patrick, thank you to the ESPYs and all our great fans and Chiefs Nation there; we appreciate all they do in supporting us, so thank you.”

Mahomes will have to wait to see if he and the Chiefs will win yet another accolade when the “Best Team” award is announced later in the ceremony.