The New Orleans Saints are 50 days away from their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. We are halfway through our countdown to kickoff, and we'll take a look at one of the best highlights from Saints 2024 seasons: Khalen Saunders intercepting Patrick Mahomes.
Stepping away from the Saints, Saunders' interception was also one of the more memorable plays in the league last year. It wasn't about the interception. It started with his one-handed snag, but it was the return that stole the headlines.
The Saints and Chiefs played on Monday Night Football, so the play happened on a national stage with no other football to distract from the matchup.. The stage just gave a special play more life. Saunders' interception flooded sports timelines in the days after the play and was all over the television.
Khalen Saunders had been waiting on his opportunity
Saunders displayed quick reflexes to reach out and grab the deflection with just one hand. Most defensive tackles aren't catching that interception. Those who do are probably taking a knee in the end zone and giving their offense standard field position. Not Saunders.
Saunders had one thing on his mind. "Take it home." He didn't hesitate either. Once he gathered the football, Saunders took off. While he didn't complete his goal of going over 100 yards to the opposite end zone, Saunders returned the interception past the 35-yard line.
The results were much better than a touchback and gave us a highlight play. Saunders showed off speed that many didn't know he possessed. He also evaded a pair of tacklers along the way.
Saunders told reporters, "them running back days flashed in my head." In high school, the defensive tackle also played running back. Some things are just like riding a bike. Once the ball touched his hands, Saunders stepped back into that mode.