New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders had an impressive return on a deflected pass that he intercepted during Monday night's game in Kansas City.
It happened with just under two minutes left in the third quarter as the Chiefs had 2nd and Goal on the Saints 2-yard line looking to extend their 16-7 lead. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took the shotgun snap, faked the handoff to running back Kareem Hunt and threw a quick pass to WR JuJu Smith-Schuster running an inside slant on the 1-yard line. Smith-Schuster was immediately hit in the back by Saints DB Paulson Adebo, causing Smith-Schuster to cough up the ball before he could cross the goal line.
The ball popped up in the air and was caught by Saunders, who decided against downing the ball and started running. Saunders showed some impressive speed as he ran up the sideline. Saunders avoided attempted tackles from behind by WR Xavier Worthy and center Creed Humphrey on the 20-yard line before finally being taken down by guard Joe Thuney on the 35-yard line.
WE GOT A THICC PICKpic.twitter.com/0n2W1qlZX8
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 8, 2024
Kevin Harlan made the hilarious radio call on Westwood One Radio, calling the interception by Saunders a "thicc pick":
"IT WAS A THICC PICK! THAT WAS A THICC PICK!" - Kevin Harlan pic.twitter.com/2nl2fSq9Xg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 8, 2024
As Saunders celebrated, it looked like he had plenty of energy to keep running, unlike some players we have seen that get sick immediately after returning an INT.
According to ESPN MNF broadcasters Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, Saunders played running back at Parkway Central High School in Missouri, which would explain his impressive running skills.
The thicc pick gave the Saints some life. Instead of the Chiefs scoring a touchdown, the Saints took over and scored a touchdown of their own (although they missed the extra point) to pull within 3 points. Unfortunately, the Chiefs took back the momentum by scoring a touchdown on their next offensive drive and never looked back on the way to a 26-13 victory.
Saunders was given credit for a 37-yard return on the interception. He finished the game with 7 tackles, including 2 solo tackles, and a pass deflection, along with that interception. Looks like the Saints have another option to consider on goal line plays moving forward.
[@BarstoolSports, ]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
