Byrd Is the Word: Jairus Byrd Making a Name for Himself on Bills Defense

If they could hand out the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year award now, free safety Jairus Byrd would be the recipient.

The Buffalo Bills defender has now had three consecutive games with two interceptions and has upped his total to seven for the season.

While Byrd has been one of the bright spots on the Buffalo Bills this year, it is no surprise to anyone in the Pac-10.

The Buffalo Bills struggled in the second half against the Houston Texans on Sunday, but maybe that’s because Byrd didn’t get interceptions.

The Bills have won two out of their last three games, and a huge reason for that is the play of Byrd. If the Bills offense could actually capitalize on the turnovers that Byrd has created, then they might actually be contenders. Instead, the rookie gives us hope and something to look forward to in the future.

Byrd’s seven interceptions are the most by a rookie since 2001, and he is possibly on his way to the record of 14 held by Dick “Night Train” Lane of the St. Louis Rams.

Byrd is one shy of the Buffalo rookie record of eight held by Archie Matsos in 1960.

Byrd left the Oregon Ducks early for the NFL, and obviously it wasn't a mistake. He finished his college career with a total of 17 interceptions and in 2008 was named to the All-Pac-10 conference first team and led the team with 19 pass breakups.

Byrd played corner for the Oregon Ducks but has really turned heads this year as a safety. While the Bills say he is still learning his position, he sure doesn't show it.

The Bills don’t want to put too much on him at this time because of his strong play, but just imagine how effective this ball hawk could be down the road.

This rookie of the year candidate also has some strong roots to the NFL. Byrd is the son of former NFL player Gill Byrd, who played for the San Diego Chargers and was named to the Pro Bowl twice during his 10-year career.

More important than records, Jairus Byrd is making a name for himself in the NFL.

With a number of years left in his career, opposing QBs are going to think differently about just flinging that ball to avoid a sack or taking that chance down the middle. Instead they are going to know that the Byrd is the word and is awaiting yet another interception.

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