Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton earned his first career AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor after a standout performance that helped trigger Denver's 33-10 rout of the Saints last Thursday.
Cody Barton #55 of the Denver Broncos leaves the field following a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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"I'm proud of him," Coach Sean Payton said. "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 recorded a half dozen solo stops among his eight tackles, had a sack, broke up a pass and scooped up a fumble that he returned for a 52-yard touchdown, celebrating by backpedaling into the end zone from about the 5-yard line.
His play has helped the Broncos make up for the loss of leading tackler Alex Singleton to a torn ACL in Week 3. Ever since then, Barton has called Denver's defensive plays.
"The good thing about this defense and something I love about this defense is everyone eats," Barton said. "You don't know whose day it is going to be. In this defense, everyone makes plays ... It's a lot of fun."
Barton said his role in Denver's top-5 defense is exactly what he envisioned when he signed a one-year, $3.5 million free agent deal last summer on the heels of a 121-tackle season for Washington, which followed a four-year run in Seattle.
Barton said he's a big fan of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's aggressive style, which suits him so well.
"During free agency I envisioned this for myself," Barton said. "I've just always believed in it. I believe in what V.J. calls and his philosophies. A lot of things defensively as a whole are coming to fruition."
The Broncos signed Barton to replace Josey Jewell, who signed a three-year, $22.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers after six seasons in Denver.
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