The cornerback secured the Falcons' Week 16 victory with a late fourth-quarter interception.

Terrin Waack

GLENDALE, Ariz. With less than two minutes on the clock, the Atlanta Falcons' defense lined up across from the Arizona Cardinals at the 42-yard line. Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett dropped back with a fresh set of downs and tried to quickly hit wide receiver Michael Wilson near the right sideline post, close enough for a possible conversion before stepping out of bounds to pause time. Instead, Falcons cornerback C.J. Henderson dove in front of Wilson and fell with the ball in his possession.

Or so he thought.

It was initially ruled an interception. Officials reviewed the play.

"They took a little longer than expected to watch in," Henderson said. "But I felt good about my catch."

Rightly so. The interception stood.

That pick solidifiedthe Falcons 26-19 victory Sunday against the Cardinalsat State Farm Stadium. It stopped the Cardinals' pursuit of a potential game-tying or -winning touchdown.

"I'm excited," Henderson said. "Just to get a win with the guys, it's huge."

Especially for Henderson.

The veteran had been on and off the Falcons' practice squad this season until Saturday,when Atlanta signed him to the active roster. He had been elevated once before, taking three snaps on special teams in the Falcons' Week 14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. But Sunday was the first time he played on defense, his primary unit.

Henderson substituted in, too. Cobee Bryant started opposite cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., and Henderson split reps with the undrafted rookie.

"I told him on the side, I respect him and Cobee for being able to rotate and play at a high level," Terrell said. "The cornerback position is one you want to stay in so you can stay hot."

Henderson didn't need to. He also recorded four tackles against the Cardinals, tied for third most among the Falcons.

"The player I expect of myself is that I never waver," he said. "No matter the circumstance."

Said Terrell: "He's somebody who's super locked in, understanding the situation, his position, and knowing that it could be any moment, any play. That's just how you approach every day at work and at games. Just keeping a calm demeanor but also ready to strike whenever it's time."

He struck on Sunday. His fourth career interception provided the kind of clutch moment the Falcons have been seeking.

Henderson is a former first-round draft pick. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him at No. 9 overall in 2020. In addition to the Falcons and Jaguars, Henderson has played for the Carolina Panthers. Hecame to Atlanta in the offseason already with 32 startsand 49 appearances overall on his resume.

Henderson knows what he's capable of. The Falcons are learning.

"Absolutely proud of him," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said.

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