NFL Week 6: A pair of interceptions highlight the day for former Tigers
A.J. Terrell was off to a good start with the Atlanta Falcons (1-5) until a positive test for Coronavirus forced him to miss a game. Last week, the rookie made three tackles against the Carolina Panthers and this week, seven more on the road versus the Minnesota Vikings. Terrell has been a standout as a rookie thus far and his coach is not surprised.
“Just proud to see the young man get going,” said Falcons head coach Raheem Morris about the rookie cornerback during the postgame press conference. “He was brought here for a reason, and he’s absolutely doing those things. He’s able to go out there and cover wideouts and be sticky in man coverage. Today, he touched the ball. That’s what he’d been showing us throughout camp and now in the season.”
On Sunday, Terrell was able to experience two firsts as a pro. He got his first win and interception. The Falcons coasted to the 40-23 win—quite a contrast to the blown leads that led to losses to the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears.
After watching Terrell struggle with the ball, some might say the win was easier to grasp than the interception. He was asked about his no hands catch.
"I went in for the catch, and the ball didn't want to hit my hands right so, my legs were there. I just tried to hold onto it before it hit the ground,” Terrell said in his postgame interview." And it went my way. But the feeling is always great getting a forced turnover, so it was great."
Deshawn Williams also got his first career interception on Sunday. He intercepted New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton in the third quarter of the Broncos 18-12 upset win. Newton's pass was tipped and like a receiver or defensive back, the 6-foot-1, 290-pound defensive tackle dove and extended his entire body to reel in the third-quarter interception.
Williams is in his third game with the Denver Broncos (2-3) and made his first NFL start. He has been in the league for five years, mostly on practice squads for the Broncos (2018, 2019), Miami Dolphins (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2018), and Cincinnati Bengals (2015-17).
"Obviously, I've been cut three times here, but all I can say is third time's the charm," Williams told Denver Broncos.com on Oct. 1. “My third time here, third time being cut, but now I'm finally playing. That don't even matter no more, the times of being cut. It's just right now making the most of my opportunity for the team."
His third and present stint with the Broncos began with Williams being waived on Sept. 5., then re-signed on September 6., and promoted to the active roster on Sept. 25.
Williams finished the game with three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception.
Williams wasn't the only former Clemson defensive tackle making an impact for a winner on Sunday. Christian Wilkins helped the Miami Dolphins move to 3-3 on the season with a 24-0 win over the winless New York Jets.
Wilkins had five tackles, two pass deflections and a sack against the Jets. He also leaped over six-foot teammate Brandon Jones. Watching him celebrate and have fun with teammates is common for Tigers and Dolphins' fans but getting his 315-pound body over Jones was just plain freakish.
So why did Wilkins take the leap?
"Sometimes, I get a little excited out there, and I have a lot of fun with my buddies, brethren, teammates,” He explained in a short interview. "It's always a good time. So that was kind of a spur-of-the-moment. It just happened."
The former thirteenth overall, 2019 draft pick is no stranger to having fun or an impromptu Twitter trending worthy moment. On draft night, he surprised NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell with a flying chest bump and hug.
Tee Higgins has taken a leap of his own since becoming a starter for the Cincinnati Bengals (1-4-1). In five starts, he has 22 receptions, 336 yards, and two touchdowns. On Sunday, his six receptions and team-high 165 yards were both career highs. The Bengals were defeated 31-27 by the Indianapolis Colts.
Adam Humphries emerged from his one-game hiatus due to a positive COVID-19 test to score a touchdown for the undefeated Tennessee Titans (5-0). The WRU veteran made six catches for 64 yards in the Titans 42-36 overtime win over the Houston Texans.
Deshaun Watson was spectacular for the Texans in defeat. He completed 28 of 37 pass attempts for 335 yards with four touchdowns. He also carried the ball four times for 26 yards.
In other NFL news.
B.J. Goodson continues his stellar play for the Cleveland Browns. In the 38-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he led the team in tackles with 10 and recorded a half-sack. Goodson is the team leader in total tackles with 46.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashard Breeland had five tackles, including one for loss. The Chiefs (5-1) defeated the Buffalo Bills 26-17.
Ray-Ray McCloud averaged 12.3 yards on three punt returns for the Steelers.
Dexter Lawrence made three tackles for the New York Giants (1-5). The Giants defeated Washington 20-19 to get win number one.
Carlos Watkins had two tackles in the Texans' loss to Tennessee.
Mackensie Alexander made two tackles for the Bengals.
Grady Jarrett had one tackle and two quarterback hits.
On Monday, the Arizona Cardinals (4-2) handled the Dallas Cowboys 38-10. Isaiah Simmons made four tackles and DeAndre Hopkins had two receptions for 73 yards.