Champ Bailey named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey will be named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for games played during the fourth week (Oct. 4-5) of the 2009 season, the Broncos announced Tuesday.

Bailey posted eight tackles (all solo), one interception (3 yds.) and a game-high four pass breakups in Denver’s 17-10 win against Dallas on Sunday. His passes defensed included two last-second breakups in the end zone that sealed the Broncos win, leaving the Cowboys frustrated (and Tony Romo flustered).

Perhaps most surprising is the fact that this is Bailey’s first such award as a Bronco; he won the NFC’s version twice as a Redskin but never earned it in the AFC — even in 2006, when he finished 2nd in Defensive MVP voting.

Bailey was also a very worthy recipient of a BT Game Ball. Press release after the jump.

BRONCOS CB CHAMP BAILEY TO BE NAMED AFC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey will be named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for games played during the fourth week (Oct. 4-5) of the 2009 season, the National Football League informed the Broncos on Tuesday.

An eight-time Pro Bowl choice, Bailey’s selection as AFC Defensive Player of the Week is the first such award of his six-year Broncos career. It marks the third time he has been named a conference’s Player of the Week with the cornerback receiving the award twice as a member of the Redskins (Week 6 in 1999 and Week 4 in 2003).

Bailey was recognized by the NFL after posting eight tackles (all solo), one interception (3 yds.) and a game-high four pass breakups in Denver’s 17-10 win against Dallas on Sunday. The veteran recorded pass breakups on Dallas’ final two plays of the game (third-and-goal / fourth-and-goal from the Denver 2-yard line) to preserve the Broncos’ comeback victory.

His four pass breakups, including an interception at the Denver 3-yard line in the third quarter, tied for the highest single-game total in the NFL this season. Bailey was a key part of a Broncos defense that limited the Cowboys to an average of 1.5 yards on third downs and did not allow a third-down conversion in the second half (0-for-7).

Bailey is the first Bronco to be named AFC Defensive Player of the Week since 2007 (defensive end Elvis Dumervil, Wk. 14 vs. Kansas City). His selection marks the 21st time a Broncos player has received AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors since the award was initiated by the NFL in 1984.