 fumbles the ball after being hit by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Vikings recovered the ball. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/murphball.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=656,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/murphball.jpg”><figcaption> Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Sometimes in sports, it matters not just what you do but when you do it. Making big plays in the first quarter is great. Making them when the game is on the line will get you noticed more. One Vikings defender is given the clutch tag from <a href=)
Pro Football Focus this week for what he’s been doing in the fourth quarter of games.
The defender in question is cornerback Byron Murphy who is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment. Murphy recorded a third interception in as many games last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars — completing the hat trick.
 celebrates his interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/byroIND.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=623,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/byroIND.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/byroIND.jpg” alt><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The interception occurred in the third quarter and began a run of plays that saw the Vikings turn the ball over three consecutive times and ultimately ensure a Vikings win. It was the third time that Murphy had snagged an interception in the fourth quarter, leading the league in that particular stat.</p>
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<p>PFF presented a graphic showing the fourth-quarter defensive stat leaders for pressures, sacks, interceptions, and forced incompletions. Game-changing plays when it matters most; PFF put a simple message with the graphic “clutch defenders.” Murphy was joined by Nick Bosa, Trey Hendrickson, and Denzel Ward, a good company to keep. Murphy was the player mic’d up during the Jaguars game and revealed the secret ingredient to his success — Sprite. His teammates appeared baffled by a professional sportsperson drinking a soda on the sideline. However, in the next defensive series, he went out and caught his interception, so who’s to argue?</p>
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<p>As well as the one against the Jags, Murphy has fourth-quarter interceptions this season against the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers. He had a fourth interception against the Los Angeles Rams this season, which came in the third quarter. Four interceptions ties with Marlon Humphrey for most in the league by a cornerback.</p>
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