Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre may have had his 2022 NFL season celebration Sunday after he intercepted Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback CJ Beathard during their 31-3 loss.
Pitre intercepted Beathard in the third quarter after the backup replaced Trevor Lawrence. Pitre had the ball when he reached the end zone and it looked like he was going to throw it into the stands, but instead the ball stayed in his hand.
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Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. is hit by Texans safety Jalen Pitre in Houston on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Pitre acted as if the ball was attached to his glove and managed to keep his glove on the ball as he walked back to his bench and let the offense prepare for their next play.
JAGUARS ONE STEP CLOSER TO DIVISION TITLE AFTER WIN OVER TEXANS
The rookie second-round pick out of Baylor has had an excellent season in his first year with Houston. He has recorded 139 total tackles with five tackles for loss and one QB hit. He also has five interceptions, a fumble recovery and a sack to his name this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones is hit by Texans safety Jalen Pitre after making a catch in Houston, Sunday, January 1, 2023.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
According to the Texans, Pitre became the sixth rookie defensive player since 1991 to record at least 135 tackles and five interceptions. Rashad Jones of the Miami Dolphins was the last to do so.
Pitre represents an emerging defense with the Texans even as Houston sported one of the worst defenses in the league this season.
Texans safety Jalen Pitre celebrates his interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Houston, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
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Houston will look to end the 2022 season on a high note with a Week 18 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans are 2-13-1 this season.