In a tense fourth-quarter moment on Monday Night Football, it wasn't a player who made the biggest defensive play -- it was arguably official Nate Jones. The former NFL defensive back turned field judge stepped in to protect Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba after tempers flared on the Houston Texans ' sideline during Seattle's 27-19 win.

The sequence began when Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr . intercepted a Sam Darnold pass intended for tight end AJ Barner . Smith-Njigba, hustling in pursuit, tried to make a play -- but Stingley delivered a stiff arm that knocked the receiver's helmet clean off as both players barreled toward the Texans' bench.

"I was running my route, he made a great play on the ball," Smith-Njigba said . "Ran over to the sideline, had a

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