Cardinals’ Zaven Collins returns 1st NFL interception for TD vs. Seahawks

There’s something about the Arizona Cardinals scoring defensive or special teams touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks.

Last year, defensive end Zach Allen returned a fumble for a score, while in Week 6 last month Arizona recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.

On Sunday, linebacker Zaven Collins intercepted Seattle quarterback Geno Smith and returned it for a touchdown to give Arizona a 14-10 lead in the third quarter.

PICK SIX! #BirdCityFootball

(Via: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/N6HmAig3fb

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 6, 2022

Smith was looking to hit his running back, Kenneth Walker III, in the flat on a screen, but Collins leaped and tapped the ball to himself for his first NFL interception. There were no Seahawks ahead of him, and he was too fast to catch from behind.

Collins reached 19.35 mph on his return, according to Next Gen Stats.

Zaven Collins reached 19.35 mph on his pick six, the 4th-fastest speed reached by a ball carrier who weighs at least 260 pounds since 2018.

The Cardinals win probability increased from 35% to 65% as a result of the play.#SEAvsAZ | #BirdCityFootball pic.twitter.com/7VPpRZHWKx

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 6, 2022

The Cardinals’ offense struggled to put together drives after an opening possession touchdown, but the defense picked up the slack through three quarters.

The score was Arizona’s fifth on defense this year, which leads the league.

It is the first time since 2015 that the Cardinals have scored five defensive touchdowns.

Collins had a huge impact Sunday for the Cardinals, although, he was flagged for unnecessary roughness on Seattle’s ensuing drive after his touchdown. He was also slow to get up and left the field two plays before the Seahawks regained the lead with a touchdown.

Seattle won the game 31-21.

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