Deommodore Lenoir's interception in the first quarter of the 49ers' 19-12 win over the Dallas Cowboys surprised even himself.
Speaking with reporters postgame, Lenoir describe what was going through his mind as he intercepted Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's errant throw.
"I mean, I broke on the route and I really didn't think he was going to throw it," Lenoir told reporters (h/t 95.7 The Game.) "I thought it was about to be [a] scramble drill.
"But then when I look back, the ball was coming. I was like -- my hyena senses just kicked in and I just jumped for it."
The play in question happened with just under six minutes left in the first quarter. After Dallas snapped the ball to Prescott, the 29-year-old scanned the field before deciding to throw it to wide receiver Michael Gallup.
However, Prescott threw it woefully behind Gallup, allowing Lenoir to easily snatch the ball and give possession back to San Francisco.
Prescott struggled in the 2022 NFL season with turnovers, throwing 15 interceptions in just 12 games. Against the 49ers, Prescott threw two interceptions: one that Lenoir picked off and another that Fred Warner snagged with just over a minute remaining in the second quarter.
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Now that Dallas' season is over, Prescott has more time to think about how to improve his throwing mechanics so he doesn't throw as many interceptions next season.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers Faithful certainly are hoping Lenoir can continue to surprise himself with more interceptions when the 49ers take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game next weekend.
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