COSTA MESA, Calif. -- It’s no surprise that one of the catalysts for the Los Angeles Chargers’ improved play on defense during the second half of the season has been cornerback Casey Hayward.
The NFL leader in interceptions last year with seven, Hayward has three interceptions in his past two games, giving him four on the year.
Hayward has benefited from a potent Chargers’ pass rush led by Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. However, the veteran also does a nice job of baiting young quarterbacks into bad decisions.
Against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the Thanksgiving Day game last week, Hayward played off receiver Brice Butler, making him appear open on the sideline and jumped the route for an interception late in the contest.