Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week after his thrashing of right tackle George Fant and the New York Jets on Sunday. He finished the game with two sacks, a forced fumble, and a game-clinching interception in addition to five tackles. He also drew at least one holding flag and disrupted Jets QB Sam Darnold in the backfield throughout the second half.
Sunday was the ninth career two-sack game for Hughes but his first since 2017. It was his first NFL interception.
Buffalo’s defense allowed just four yards from the Jets’ offense in the second half. They sacked Darnold six times during the game.
Cornerback Tre’Davious White is the last Bills defender to earn the award. He had two interceptions against the Duck Hodges-led Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football last December. He also earned the award in Week 5 of 2019.
Hughes had received some criticism from fans for not finding the stat sheet this season, but he’s been solid winning one-on-one matchups all year. It was nice to see him finally get on the stat sheet to quiet the critics.