Chargers' Hayward: 'It's crazy' I'm not considered among best corners
Casey Hayward didn't feel very respected after the Green Bay Packers let him walk out the door in 2016, and after leading the league in interceptions as a Charger last season, he's still not getting the appreciation he wants.
The 27-year-old cornerback told Bleacher Report's Tyler Dunne that his statistics are "bananas" compared to the players considered by most observers to be the best at his position. With 16 interceptions and only six touchdowns given up in his five-year career, he might have a point.
"When you put my numbers up against other people's numbers," said Hayward, "it's crazy that people aren't saying my name."
Hayward tweeted in May that he felt his statistics spoke for themselves in 2016.
I was the best corner in the League last year.#1 ints, #6 in PBU, #3 in passes def, #3 in QBR and matched #1 wr most of the year👀. #NoDebate
— Casey Hayward (@show_case29) May 16, 2017
While he's frustrated that he hasn't been in most conversations to determine the best cornerback in the league, Hayward plans to put on a repeat performance this season so that his critics have to take notice.
"I want to be the best corner in 2017," said Hayward. "That's what I strive to be. I thought I was the best corner in 2016. Let's see who'll be the best corner in 2017.
"When I do it again, people will say, 'Oh, he did it again.' And I'll get my true due."