Jack Jones’ foot-tap interception for Patriots denies Lions scoring probability

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones delivered a highlight-reel play Sunday in opposition to the Detroit Lions, leaping excessive within the air to intercept quarterback Jared Goff’s cross to tight finish T.J. Hockenson within the first quarter.

The play ended what had been a promising Lions drive, as they superior to the Patriots’ 18-yard line when Goff tried to hit Hockenson deep down the left sideline.

Hockenson was intently coated by linebacker Jahlani Tavai, and Jones — the fourth-round decide from Arizona State — broke on the ball and elevated to catch it at its highest level. Jones then tapped his toes in bounds alongside the sideline.

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The Patriots led 3-0 on the time and drove for a area purpose on their ensuing drive to make it 6-0.

Final week, Jones intercepted Inexperienced Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and returned it 40 yards for a landing. He mentioned after the sport that he feels disrespected when any quarterback makes an attempt to throw an out in opposition to him.

He turns into the primary Patriots rookie since Duron Harmon (2013) and Logan Ryan (2013) to document interceptions in back-to-back video games.

The Patriots’ protection struck once more within the second quarter. Matthew Judon, who has been one of many Patriots’ greatest gamers of their 1-3 begin, set a franchise document Sunday by recording no less than one sack in every of the primary 5 video games in a season.

Considered one of his 1.5 first-half sacks supplied one other large play — a strip sack of quarterback Jared Goff that security Kyle Dugger scooped up and returned 59 yards for a landing.

The Lions had superior to the Patriots’ 32-yard line and, as an alternative of making an attempt a 49-yard area purpose, elected to go for it on fourth-and-9. Judon surged off the defensive left facet, working in opposition to Lions proper deal with Penei Sewell, and chased down Goff. He sacked him, the ball got here free, and Dugger raced for a rating to present the crew a 13-0 lead.

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The Lions’ points at kicker — they launched Austin Seibert and added Michael Badgley to the roster for Sunday’s sport — may need contributed to their decision-making. In the meantime, Judon’s efficiency has created a buzz round New England, even with Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett.