Ultimately for him, it’s about coming down with the contested catches and beating the opposing wide receivers on those plays. Those contested plays are big for momentum, according to Delpit, since it gives the offense a chance to score. An interception for the defense, with a touchdown from the offense, can become a 14-point play and flip the script of a game.
During training camp on July 24, Delpit had an interception, signaling that he’s taken to mind the difficulties the team had with having such moments last season. His teammate’s reaction to the interception also showed the chemistry that Delpit within the secondary, as CB Greg Newsome II and S Ronnie Hickman came to celebrate with him following the play.
A part of what Delpit has been doing to get him in the mindset of picking passes off has been watching highlights of fellow LSU alum, Tyrann Mathieu. Across 12 NFL seasons, Mathieu had 36 interceptions, recording multiple interceptions in 10 of those seasons. Delpit has had one such season in 2022, recording four, and is trying to be part of the solution to the secondary.
“The ball always seemed to find (Tyrann Mathieu),” Delpit said. “Just going back to his college days, 2014 Arizona days. I’ve been watching a lot of his tape, so trying to be one of those guys (to get takeaways).”