Pick off the NFL MVP in your first NFL game @AdeboPaulson_ 🙌#GBvsNO | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/zKEYId7kVQ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 12, 2021
Now that’s how you introduce yourself to the NFL. New Orleans Saints rookie cornerback Paulson Adebo adjusted to an off-target throw from Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the reigning league MVP, and streaked towards midfield.
The context is what makes it most impressive. Adebo started the drive with a penalty, and the Saints defense was on its heels without top cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the game (he later returned just in time to cheer Adebo on from the sidelines).
Green Bay fielded the league’s best red zone offense last season. They were one of three NFL teams not to throw an interception inside the opposing 20-yard line. And Adebo snapped that streak. Not bad for a rookie who didn’t play football last year.
Oh, and on the next drive Rodgers stepped up to heave a pass deep downfield — which free safety Marcus Williams was all too eager to pick off and return deep into Green Bay territory, setting the Saints up at the Packers 12-yard line. Maybe that can help set him up for a big pay day in the spring.
BALL HAWK: @MarcusWilliams #GBvsNO | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/GHtkP0t1sN
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 12, 2021
