ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — Oakland rookie cornerback D.J. Hayden has never played against Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. He figures the two will become well-acquainted Monday night in Denver.
Hayden is the youngest and least experienced member of the Raiders’ defensive secondary, and that has made him a target for opposing quarterbacks.
Indianapolis’ Andrew Luck sought him out repeatedly in the opener, and Jacksonville’s Chad Henne followed suit in going after the first-round draft pick multiple times last week.
In Manning, Hayden and the Raiders (1-1) face an entirely different type of challenge altogether.