Aidan Hutchinson snags one-handed interception off of Bryce Young
Aidan Hutchinson just made one of the more ridiculous interceptions you’ll ever see, especially from a defensive lineman.
On a second down and seven for the Panthers midway through the first quarter, rookie Carolina QB Bryce Young dropped back to pass and waited for a screen play to develop before trying to slide a very short pass over to tight end Ian Thomas. Except the ball never got to Thomas because Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson appeared out of nowhere and snagged the throw with one arm for the pick and short runback.
Take a look at this unreal grab by the Detroit defender:
However, following the play, Hutchinson was clearly limping after taking a sharp shot to the right thigh. He limped throughout the celebration and as he made his way to the bench but did not appear to be in any serious pain.
That extraordinary play by the former Michigan star just became Hutchinson’s fourth career interception at the pro level after he recorded three of them in 2023, which is a pretty high number for a defensive lineman. It’s also his first this season, although he record a different kind of turnover when he forced and recovered a Desmond Ridder fumble late in the fourth quarter to seal a 20-6 win over Atlanta.
Panthers’ Chandler Zavala carted off field vs. Lions
The game between the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions came to an abrupt pause on Sunday due to a medical emergency on the field. Panthers rookie offensive lineman Chandler Zavala collapsed mid-play as he was blocking a Lions defensive lineman and had to take a cart off the field. Luckily, the rookie was able to signal that he was alright with a thumbs up as the cart drove to the locker room.
Due to the injury, the game officials halted play for five minutes to clear up the situation. As Zavala received medical attention, the Lions and Panthers players gathered together around the injured lineman.
According to a spokesperson for the Panthers, Zavala is going to a local hospital for further evaluation on a potential neck injury.
Prayers up for Panthers OL Chandler Zavala 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lKNwFywrjZ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 8, 2023
The Panthers social media account tweeted, “Prayers for Chandler Zavala,” after the incident. The organization drafted the former NC State standout with the No. 114 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
With the Panthers lineman off the field, Carolina continued their battle against the Lions with Detroit leading 14-0 in the first quarter at the time.