Everyone found Amazon Prime Video's stream on Thursday night to watch Justin Herbert vs. Patrick Mahomes. Instead, Jaylen Watson ended up being the star of the show.
Jaylen who? Watson was a seventh-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in this year's draft. He stepped into a big role for Thursday night's game because first-round pick Trent McDuffie was out due to an injury.
In a game full of big-name players, Watson made the play that decided it.
In the fourth quarter of a tie game, Watson picked off a Justin Herbert pass near the goal line and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. That changed the entire game, as the Chiefs went on to a 27-24 win in a game that will loom large all season in the AFC West race.
[Watch Thursday Night Football on Prime Video: Sign up for a 30-day free trial]
Before the biggest play of the game and what will hold up as one of the most important plays of the season Chargers tight end Gerald Everett was asking out after catching a pass inside the 5-yard line. The Chargers wanted to keep playing fast without a huddle, so they didn't sub Everett out of the game. That allowed Watson to jump inside of Everett on Herbert's pass and turn around a massive divisional game.
Maybe it shouldn't have been too surprising Watson made the game's biggest play, given his story of perseverance.
Watson's path to the NFL was far from a straight line.
He started at a junior college, Ventura College in California. He wanted to go to USC in 2019 according to the Kansas City Star, but a scholarship offer fell through and he was out of football for a year. During that year, he worked at Wendy's, where his mom was a manager.
I love her to death, but it was terrible, Watson said, according to the Star. You get no breaks from your mom."
He ended up at Washington State and played two seasons there. He fell all the way to the 243rd pick of the draft. The Chiefs found a gem that late, because he impressed the team through the summer, worked his way up the depth chart and made the roster.
Story continues
Im just a very resilient person (whos) always been working for what I have, Watson said after Thursday night's game, according to the Star. I was never given anything. And I think that gave me an edge on the football field as well.
So I just try to carry that edge, show some hunger, show some anger on the football field, and let it out on the opponents.
Due to injury, he found himself starting in a huge game on Thursday night. Then he made a monumental play.
Its a moment, he said after the game, Ill never forget.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson runs an interception back for a touchdown in a win over the Chargers on Thursday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Thursday night's game was expected to be a high-scoring one with two of the NFL's most exciting quarterbacks, but both offenses struggled to score in the first half. The Chargers took a 10-0 lead, and the Chiefs answered with a nice sidearm touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Jerick McKinnon. Both offenses were fairly efficient, but there weren't many big plays. Both defenses were focused on not letting the other team's strong-armed quarterback beat them over the top, and they mostly kept everything in front of them.
The Chargers struck right away in the third quarter. They picked up a fourth-and-1 on a strong Austin Ekeler run. Then Herbert floated one up to Mike Williams, who made a phenomenal one-handed touchdown catch. That put the Chargers ahead 17-7.
Mahomes came right back. Mahomes stepped up in the pocket and with a flick of the wrist he hit Justin Watson who was in the game because Mecole Hardman came out before the play to get a heel injury checked out deep downfield for a 41-yard touchdown. Even Mahomes' old teammate Tyreek Hill was impressed.
It set up a tense finish between division rivals in what should be a tight AFC West race all season.
The fourth quarter started with the Chiefs deciding whether to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. The Chiefs settled for a 19-yard field goal. It was a safe play, but it did tie the game 17-17.
It turned out well. The Chargers drove right downfield and got inside the 5-yard line on a catch by Everett. Everett was exhausted and wanted out of the game, but the Chargers were in hurry-up mode and he didn't come out. Everett faded a bit on his short route, allowed Watson to jump inside of him and catch an interception that he returned 99 yards for a score. It was the type of non-obvious mistake, ignoring Everett trying to get out of the game, that can decide a very important game.
The Chargers went three-and-out after that, and it was clear all the momentum the Chargers built up over three-plus quarters was gone.
Herbert had another chance, though he went down for a few scary moments after a hit. He got up and came back in after one play off, but got hit again on his next attempt and was grimacing as he got up, clutching his side. Herbert's two passes after coming back were incomplete and the Chargers punted with four minutes left. Clyde Edwards-Helaire snapped off a 52-yard run after that and the game was all but over. The Chiefs got a field goal to take a 10-point lead.
The Chargers scored with 1:11 left on a fourth-down pass from Herbert to Josh Palmer, but the Chiefs recovered an onside kick to wrap up the win.
The Chiefs were challenged by the Chargers, and could be pushed by them in the AFC West race all season. But Watson's pick-six stole the show. Chiefs fans will remember his name after Thursday night.
Link:
Little-known Chiefs rookie makes the biggest play in a huge win over Chargers - Yahoo Sports
- NBA playoffs: Bucks G Patrick Beverley chucks ball at multiple Pacers fans amid elimination - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Britney Spears says she feels 'harassed' after paramedics respond to incident at Chateau Marmont: The latest - Yahoo Entertainment - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- How the Knicks' special chemistry helped them turn back the 76ers - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- 11 stocks that mattered most this earnings season - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Fed holds interest rates at 23-year high, citing 'lack of further progress' on inflation - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly signing 1-year, $8.25 million deal to join Dolphins - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- How to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby: Post positions, odds, where to stream and more - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- The Buzz: What would a fantasy baseball draft look like today? - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- 2nd Boeing whistleblower found dead. Here's a timeline of the company's mounting problems. - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Trump trial live updates: Hope Hicks called to the stand as testimony resumes in hush money case - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Brandon Aubrey thinks soccer background will "absolutely" help with new kickoffs - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Kentucky Derby: Fierceness' odds keep shrinking ahead of the 150th race - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- How to watch the 2024 WNBA preseason tonight: Caitlin Clark's first Indiana Fever game time, channel and more - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Amazon Web Services CEO: We're on track to hit $100 billion in sales in 2024 - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- NFL Power Rankings, draft edition: Did Patriots fix their offensive issues? - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Lynch reveals how he engaged Shanahan on 49ers GM job - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Drake, Adele, and others are following Taylor Swift back onto TikTok after Universal deal - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Boss Orders Employee 'Be Prepared To Cancel Or Reschedule Your Wedding' After Layoffs, Despite Her Giving A ... - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- May Reliever Rankings - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Kyle Hendricks pelted by a line drive during Double-A start - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- China publicizes for the first time what it claims is a 2016 agreement with Philippines - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- What Pearsall believes Green will bring to 49ers defense - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- What to know about Rickwood Field ahead of Giants-Cardinals game - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Biden says Americans have 'right to protest but not the right to cause chaos' on college campuses after another night of ... - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Billam-Smith 'motivated to avenge loss' to Riakporhe - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Chinese Grand Prix 2024: How to watch tonight's F1 race without cable - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Was it legal for Kristi Noem to shoot her puppy and what other options did she have? - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Apple unveils record $110 billion buyback as results beat low expectations - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Paramount has spent a decade as the source of buyout rumors. That might finally come to an end. - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Lynch reveals hilarious truth about transition from player to GM - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- 7 Social Security Shakeups You Need To Be Ready For Heading Into the New Year - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Crypto had a surprisingly great year. It still faces threats in 2024. - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'How the hell does that even happen?' McCarthy exits Congress amid confusion over who can run to replace him - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Short sellers lost close to $178 billion in 2023 - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Trump legal news brief: Giuliani files for bankruptcy after judge rules he must immediately pay $148 million for election ... - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- No One Wants Used EVs, Making New Ones a Tougher Sell Too - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Israel's military campaign in Gaza seen as among the most destructive in recent history, experts say - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Barbara Corcoran Says Housing Prices 'Are Going To Go Through the Roof' But When? - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Are You Wealthy? The Net Worth You Need To Be Considered Poor, Middle-Class And Wealthy In America - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- German bishop Btzing criticizes pope over Ukraine and Israel stance - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'Severe revenue decline': California faces a record $68 billion deficit here's what is eating away at the Golden State's ... - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Poll: Trump is tied with Biden for now but criminal trials and unpopular plans pose risks for 2024 - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy days after being ordered to pay $148 million in defamation case - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'It's just bragging rights': Once you achieve this credit score there's 'no benefit' to scoring higher, expert says here are ... - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Records released by House Republicans show that Joe Biden repeatedly emailed Hunter Biden's business associate ... - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Tesla Getting Trounced by S&P 500 Three Years After Joining - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Ukrainian forces shoot down three Russian Su-34 fighter jets on southern front - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- The only AI 'regulation' coming is from workers - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Innocent Black Man Spent 50 Years in Prison, His Compensation Will Annoy The Hell out of You - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Texas begins flying migrants from southern border to Chicago. The 1st plane carried over 120 people - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Donald Trump Is Running Scared - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- The biggest 2024 threat to Big Tech is coming from both sides of the Atlantic - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Apple halts online sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 2023 FIBA World Cup: Jaren Jackson Jr.'s elite rim protection and defensive presence come with a price - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Fantasy Football Rankings: These are the hardest players to ... - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott feels for Will Grier after Trey Lance deal, not worried about future in Dallas - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Massive alligator captured in Mississippi is a new state record. Nightmare material - Yahoo! Voices - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Virginia Gov. Youngkin eyes a 15-week abortion ban as a 'consensus' voters would back - Yahoo News - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Poll: Trump could be in big trouble for 2024 if convicted of crimes - Yahoo News - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- 'She-Hulk' star Tatiana Maslany nearly brought to tears after overcoming fears of heights and cold with the help of Bear Grylls - Yahoo Entertainment - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Don't feel guilty about being lazy. Experts say there are some health benefits. - Yahoo Life - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Center Paolo Banchero helps Team USA power past physical New Zealand in FIBA World Cup - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Tyreek Hill says Tua's response to ESPN criticism 'fires me up,' shows Dolphins something they've never seen - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- USA's Katie Moon, Australia's Nina Kennedy agree to share pole vault gold after tie atop World Athletics Championships - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Blue Jays' Bo Bichette, Matt Chapman leave game vs. Guardians with injuries - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Benches clear twice as Rays roll past Yankees 7-4: 'It's a last-place team' - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- All-Pro Chris Jones says hes willing to extend Chiefs holdout through Week 8 - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Fyre Festival II: Andy King confirms he's working with Billy McFarland for 'redemption'; 1st drop sells out - Yahoo Entertainment - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Pirates first overall pick Paul Skenes doesn't make it out of 1st inning in Double-A debut - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- U.S. men and women sweep gold in 4x100m relay at World Championships - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Spain soccer president Luis Rubiales apologizes for kissing player, as calls for his resignation mount - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- COVID cases are rising. What are schools doing about it? - Yahoo Life - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Nicolas Batum ashamed and scared to go home after France is knocked out of FIBA World Cup - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Tour Championship: How much did Viktor Hovland, others earn at East Lake? - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- The Daily Sweat: Cubs get chance to cut into streaking Brewers' NL Central lead - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- NASCAR: Chris Buescher wins at Daytona after Ryan Preece's car flips at least 10 times in terrifying crash - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- With college sports more in flux than ever before, new players association group emerges - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- NFL Hall of Fame Game: How to watch the 2023 NFL preseason opener - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- 2023 NFL preseason: How to watch, full schedule, streaming info and more - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Reports: Colts considering placing Jonathan Taylor on NFI list, which could negate his 2023 salary - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]