NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans safety Kevin Byard is on fire, with five interceptions in the past two games.
He's experienced the feeling before.
In video games.
"I don't know if you've ever played (NBA) 2K," Byard said with a smile. "But in the game you start making a lot of shots and your guy turns red – you get that ring around you. It means he's hot. Well, I kind of feel like I'm in a zone.
"I was talking to my coaches about being in the matrix a little bit – that's kind of what I feel like. Everything is just clicking."
Byard intercepted Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco twice in the team's 23-20 win on Sunday. He picked off three passes against the Browns on October 22.
"He is Johnny-on-the-spot right now," said Titans cornerback Logan Ryan, who tipped a pass Byard intercepted in the first half.
"I don't think anybody has done what he has done – that is some kind of record. Tips, overthrows, good breaks, however you get them, catch them and have a knack for getting them. That's what interceptions are."
Byard, who now has six interceptions on the season, became the first player in team history to record five interceptions in a two-game span. He became the first NFL player to record five interceptions in two games since DeAngelo Hall (Redskins) in 2010.
Byard, a third round draft pick by the Titans in 2016, recorded 19 interceptions during his playing career at MTSU.
Since the 1970 merger, Byard is just the fifth player in NFL history to record five interceptions in a two-game span. The others: Hall (2010), Albert Lewis (1985), Willie Buchanon (1978), and Mike Haynes (1976).
"I've never seen something like that – that's impressive," Orakpo said of Byard. "I've been around a lot of great players, and he has definitely blossomed into one of those greats, the way he is playing this year. We are going to keep following his lead because he is making some play out there."
Byard thanked Ryan for setting him up on the tipped pass which he intercepted.
In the second half, Byard got Flacco again.
Late in the game, Byard nearly hauled in a third interception, which would have given him back-to-back "hat tricks." But Adoree' Jackson tipped that pass at the last second.
"It's fun," Byard said. "Any time you are winning, it is going to be fun, whether it's no picks, one pick. As long as we're winning games, I am always going to be excited."
The Tennessee Titans take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9 at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
