Former Vol Derek Barnett put together a solid regular season as a rookie for the Philadelphia Eagles. And on Sunday, he made a big play that helped propel the Eagles past the Minnesota Vikings on the way to the Super Bowl.
In the second quarter, the Eagles and Vikings were still in a competitive, close game. The Eagles held a 14-7 lead, but Minnesota was driving in the red zone. But on a crucial third down play, Barnett broke free from the offensive lineman guarding him and was able to strip Vikings quarterback Case Keenum.
Here’s Barnett’s big play:
The rookie knocks it free, the vet scoops it up.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/1htI3J2Gl1
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 22, 2018
That play ended up sparking the blowout victory for Philadelphia. The Eagles offense would take over after that fumble and drive down the field for a touchdown. They would tack on a field goal before halftime and held a hearty 24-7 lead at the midway point.
The Eagles would go on to defeat Minnesota 38-7. But things might have gone differently had their first round pick not made that huge play when he did.
Barnett finished the game with two tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and that forced fumble. He will be the lone former Vol to play in this year’s Super Bowl when the Eagles take on the New England Patriots. Every SEC team has at least one former player on either the Eagles or Patriots’ rosters.
