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Derrick Barnes makes game-sealing INT to send Detroit Lions to NFC Championship

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

Derrick Barnes picked a good time to snag the first interception of his career.

Barnes, a former Purdue linebacker, sealed the deal for the Detroit Lions, picking off Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield to seal a 31-23 NFC Divisional victory. He also had 4 tackles, including 3 solo stops, in the game.

Barnes is in his third professional season. He capped his four-year Purdue career by being named second-team All-Big Ten in 2020.

The Detroit Lions selected Barnes No. 113 overall in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He had the best season of his young pro career in 2023.

In 16 games, including 13 starts, Barnes recorded a career-high 73 total tackles. He had 37 solo stops, including 1 sack.

Barnes went the whole season without a pass defended. He entered Sunday’s game against the Bucs with 3 career passes defended, but no picks.

Detroit is one of the most exciting stories of the 2023 NFL season. Barnes and the Lions are now just one win away from going to the Super Bowl.

Detroit will face NFC No. 1-seed San Francisco in the conference championship game.

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.