New England Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden picked off three passes on Sunday against the Jets, and as a result he’s been named AFC defensive player of the week.
Bodden was one of the favorite receivers of Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez on Sunday; Sanchez completed only eight passes all day, and Bodden caught as many passes from Sanchez as the Jets’ leading receivers on the day, Jericho Cotchery and Dustin Keller.
Bodden returned one of his picks 53 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Patriots their first points in a game they would go on to win 31-14. Bodden’s three interceptions were a career high, and it’s the first time he has earned the AFC defensive player of the week honor.
The Patriots have now won five player of the week awards: Tom Brady got the honor after Week One and Week Six, safety Brandon Meriweather was defensive player of the week after Week Seven and kicker Stephen Gostkowski was special teams player of the week after Week Nine.