Jaylen Watson's 99-yard pick-six helps Chiefs beat Chargers

Jaylen Watson made the play of the game for the Chiefs. Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire

Seventh-rounder Jaylen Watson gets 99-yard pick-six to help Chiefs beat Chargers

By Thomas Huitt-Johnson | Last updated 9/16/22

Again, the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers played to a one-score game. This time, it was decided by a rookie seventh-round draft pick.

Jaylen Watson filled in for fellow rookie Trent McDuffie, who was placed on injured reserve this week with a hamstring injury. The Chargers tested the young cornerback. In the fourth quarter, he made the play of the game.

Watson stepped in front of tight end Gerald Everett to intercept a Justin Herbert pass at the 1-yard line and sped down the field for the 99-yard touchdown to break a 17-17 tie. The touchdown helped the Chiefs seal the 27-24 win.

JUSTIN HERBERT JAYLEN WATSON FOR 6️⃣
pic.twitter.com/bJDISOZAtK
— PFF (@PFF) September 16, 2022

"It was a moment I'll never forget," Watson said in his postgame news conference. "It's a surreal feeling. I'm so grateful and blessed to be in this position."

Jaylen Watson: “It was a moment I’ll never forget.” #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/1Qa5S2Vh8L
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) September 16, 2022

All of the talk before the game was about Patrick Mahomes and Herbert battling each other, but the Chiefs and Chargers defense continued to stall the two quarterbacks. In a tight ball game, the Chiefs came out on top.

Watson was one of several defensive backs taken by K.C. in this past year's draft. He made the most of his opportunity Thursday night. Playing in front of a hyped Arrowhead crowed, on Thursday night, in prime time, Watson came away with the play of the game.

Maybe next, he'll get a Wendy's spot.

Three years ago, Jaylen Watson was working at a Wendy's while he was trying to find somewhere to continue playing football.

Tonight, he has a 99-yard INT of Justin Herbert in his 2nd career NFL game.

Perseverance would be an understatement.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 16, 2022

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