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Casey Hayward named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Hayward made the plays he needed to in 16-13 win over the Bengals in Week 1.

By Michael Peterson
Los Angeles Chargers v Cincinnati Bengals Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

After a 12-tackle, two-pass breakup performance in a 16-13 victory over the Bengals on Sunday, cornerback Casey Hayward has been named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Even though Hayward has been one of the best corners in the NFL over the last four seasons, this is the first time he has earned the weekly honor. He was a part of a phenomenal team effort that limited rookie Joe Burrow to 193 passing yards with zero touchdowns and a lone interception.

Hayward spent most of the game shadowing Cincy’s No. 1 wide receiver in AJ Green and was the one covering Green in the end zone when he was called for an offensive pass-interference penalty that wiped out the would-be game-winning touchdown.

The entire Chargers secondary is going to get their hardest test of the season this coming Sunday when they face Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and the rest of the high-powered Chiefs offense in their first game at SoFi Stadium.

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