The Minnesota Vikings defense has thrived all season long under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and former Washington Huskies star cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. has been critical to its success.
While facing off with his former team, the Arizona Cardinals who selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Murphy hauled in his fifth interception of the season, marking a new career-high for the six-year player.
It came in a huge moment, too, as he picked off quarterback Kyler Murray on an overthrown ball on the second play of the fourth quarter, which directly resulted in a field goal to cut Arizona’s lead to 19-16. On their next drive, Sam Darnold hit running back Aaron Jones out of the backfield for a five-yard touchdown, giving the Vikings a 23-22 victory.
Murphy’s contract expires at the end of the season, and the 26-year-old is doing everything in his power to prove that he either deserves a hefty extension from Minnesota, or will command a sizable contract on the open market.
He’s now pulled in 8 interceptions over his two years with the Vikings, adding 21 pass breakups and a forced fumble, and has been an integral piece of Minnesota’s defense, as his team sits just one game behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDDKLwJRz0r/