Raiders rookie middle linebacker Ben Heeney dropped into shallow coverage near midfield and, when he saw St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum break for the sideline, instinct took over.
The fifth-round draft pick locked on his target and sprinted towards him, pushing Keenum out of bound just before the line of scrimmage. Heeney nudged the quarterback, but he lost control and tumbled over the Rams bench.
The odd finish ensures Heeney will never forget his first professional sack, even in the preseason. Friday’s 18-3 Raiders victory didn’t count, but the game surely meant something to a 22-year old suiting up in an NFL game.