Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. looks like he’s in line for a massive payday this offseason after pulling in his career-best sixth interception in the Minnesota Vikings’ 42-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
With 6:30 to play in the fourth quarter, the former Washington Huskies star and second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL draft corralled a poorly thrown pass by Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins that was intended for tight end Kyle Pitts in the end zone with just his right hand before taking a knee for a touchback. The Vikings would go on to pad their lead with a 15-yard touchdown run from running back Aaron Jones.
Murphy’s interception may have also added to the case for his fellow Husky, Michael Penix Jr., to get a shot at the starting job amid Cousins’ struggles. The 36-year-old was able to throw for 344 yards against the Vikings’ stout defense, but couldn’t find the end zone, throwing 2 interceptions on the day.
Cousins hasn’t thrown a touchdown since November 3, which greatly benefitted Murphy on Sunday, as he finished his day with 5 tackles and 3 pass breakups to go along with his interception.