Watch: Heads up play by Roger McCreary leads to Titans INT

Tennessee Titans safety Joshua Kalu (28) catches the ball batted into the air by Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary (21) for an interception in the closing second of the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The pass was intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81). Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Remarkable heads up play by rookie CB Roger McCreary leads to Titans interception

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/18/22

Tennessee Titans rookie cornerback Roger McCreary may have made the play of the 2022 season Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Tied 7-7 with only 12 seconds left in the opening half, the Chargers' offense, deep in Titans' territory, threatened to take the lead before the break.

However, McCreary had other ideas. McCreary not only snatched a Justin Herbert pass out of mid-air while falling out of bounds but had the presence of mind to toss the football to teammate Joshua Kalu for a touchback, stymieing the Chargers' drive.

This INT is wild! @BluesKalus

: #TENvsLAC on CBS
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bHzPqBxZV5 pic.twitter.com/4UYS8xn8PW
— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2022

McCreary won't get credited for the interception on the play, but he should. Without his heady play, the turnover never happens, and the Chargers walk into halftime with either a seven or three-point lead.

Entering play on Sunday, McCreary compiled 72 tackles (two for loss) and four pass defenses over 13 games. The 23-year-old trail only Kevin Byard (83) and David Long (86) for the Titans' lead in tackles.

McCreary does have one turnover under his belt this season, picking off Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the Titans' 20-17 loss in Week 9.

Roger McCreary picks off Patrick Mahomes!

Are the #Chiefs the next double-digit favorite to fall in primetime?

17-9 #Titans with 10 minutes left in the third quarter pic.twitter.com/sdyPrPc5n5
— Tanner Kern (@tannerkern_) November 7, 2022

The Titans selected McCreary in the second round (35th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft out of Auburn.

McCreary led the SEC in passes defended (14) during his senior season at Auburn, finishing 2021 with 41 tackles, two interceptions, and a sack. Over four seasons with the Tigers, McCreary recorded 111 tackles, 30 pass defenses, six interceptions, and one sack.

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