
CJ Henderson is one of a few Carolina Panthers who could really, really use a strong close to the 2022 season. And fortunately for the struggling cornerback, he stepped up with a big play on Sunday.
Coming off an interception from quarterback Sam Darnold and a subsequent 41-yard return by safety Tyrann Mathieu, the New Orleans Saints had a chance to extend their seven-point heading into the half. The turnover, which was a pretty baffling one from Darnold, ended what was a 14-play drive for Carolina.
TYRANN TAKES THOSE. #SAINTS BALL š¦”
šŗ #CARvsNO on FOX pic.twitter.com/vDdqOdVNge
ā New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 8, 2023
So, the Saints set up shop at the Panthersā 43-yard line with about 30 seconds left in the first half. But three plays into that possession, Henderson had different thoughts for New Orleansāforcing a fumble of standout rookie wide receiver Chris Olave.
CJ forced it out š¤ Woods recovered pic.twitter.com/jOiaoQqmWe
ā Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 8, 2023
Henderson, fresh off an embarrassing Week 17 showing against Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did a nice job of recovering after allowing the reception to Olave. And while the takeaway didnāt ultimately translate into points for Carolina, it did keep it a one-score game going into the break.