Tyrone Carter = AFC Defensive Player Of The Week

Thanks to Cotter for the tip.

Tyrone Carter, the guy who was criticized for not playing up to #43’s level when Troy was out just shut you up with his play in place of Ryan Clark. To the tune of AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

He was our only offense in the first half, with his pick-6 being the moment Kyle Orton’s night started turning sour. Then he snagged another interception later in the game. Not too bad for a guy who was only playing because Denver’s high altitude kept starter Ryan Clark out of the game so he could monitor his sickle cell trait.

I, for one was hard on Ty earlier this year with Troy out, not so much for his play, but for the fact that it was apparent that he wasn’t the feared defensive back whose reputation alone causes a botched play or two a game. He had to work to make 75% of the impact of Troy, and opposing offenses were picking up on that.

But filling in for Clark, with Polamalu as his defensive partner, Carter did work. And I couldn’t be prouder.

Plus, we’re at the halfway mark of the season, and here’s how many guys we’ve had win awards. Pretty awesome.

Jeff Reed – Special Teams

Rashard Mendenhall – Offensive

James Harrison – Defensive (week)

James Harrison – Defensive (month, October)

Tyrone Carter – Defensive