Jaylinn Hawkins’ one-handed pick a show-stopper for Patriots

FOXBOROUGH – The Browns were still in shouting distance – technically anyway – when the Patriots picked off Dillon Gabriel for the second time in as many possessions.

Linebacker Robert Spillane had the first one, while safety Jaylinn Hawkins grabbed the second one.

Hawkins’ one-handed catch was a highlight reel play, it coming with 3:52 left in the third, with the Patriots up 23-7.

Gabriel heaved the ball deep down the left side toward Isiah Bond. Hawkins had a better beat on the ball, extended his right arm, and managed to bring it in with his hand and secure it for a second pick.

The Patriots converted both plays into touchdowns in the 32-13 win.

After the game, several players marveled at Hawkins one-hander.

Christian Gonzalez didn’t know the Patriots safety had pulled it in with one hand until he saw the replay on the scoreboard.

“That was crazy. That was a real good play,” Gonzalez said. “I’m happy for him. It was his first game back so for him to go out there and get a one-handed pick, that was cool.”

Hawkins had missed the previous two games due to a hamstring injury. He was itching to play, and contribute.

“It’s all good, just being out there playing, especially after missing two weeks,” Hawkins said. “It was fun being out there with the guys, all the energy, and being at home. It was dope. I loved it.”

He also loved coming down with that ball in the third quarter.

“Well, first off, I gotta give it up to the defensive line, and putting pressure on the quarterback,” Hawkins said. “That’s what makes our job easier. So there was good pressure.

“(Dillon) got out of the pocket, threw it up, and I just looked at the ball … I didn’t know I was going to catch it one-hand, but it ended up happening that way. I’m just thankful for it.”