I just watched the Jets game on tape, and it was so fun watching the Packer defense shut out Sexy Rexy and his boys. Part of great defense is playing solid on almost every play, and another part is limiting big plays, but a third part is making big-time defensive plays that require savvy, athleticism, and heart. Here are my ten favorites, in chronological order:
1. In the first quarter, Brandon Chillar comes off the edge against an RB and sacks Mark Sanchez deep in Jets territory. This began a sequence in which the Packers would score the field goal that essentially won the game, as the fake punt attempt failed on 4th and 18.
2. On the first play of the second quarter, the Jets run a wildcat play in Packer territory and Frank Zombo strips the ballcarrier. Tramon Williams recovers. This play helps set the tone for the rest of the game: The Packers want the ball more than the Jets and they are going to take it away.
3. Later in the second quarter, the Jets run a halfback option with LaDanian Tomlinson. This is the kind of play that can be decisive in a low-scoring game. But Tramon Williams and Nick Collins stick with their receivers and Tomlinson is smothered for a two-yard gain.
4. On a downfield throw in the second quarter, A.J. Hawk leaps into the air to knock down a pass intended for a WR. That's a great play for an LB in pass coverage.
5. Still in the second quarter, the Jets have again crossed into Packer territory when Tramon Williams (there he is again!) rips the ball away from a Jets receiver for an interception. This is in the same spirit as the Zombo play, but much more impressive.
6. Near the end of the half, the Jets face a third and one. Desmond Bishop reads the play perfectly and steps in front of TE Dustin Keller in the flat to break up the pass. The end of the half is often the time for big momentum swings, but the Jets are forced to punt and still trail 3-0.
7. Early in the fourth quarter, Charles Woodson rips the ball away from a Jets receiver in exactly the same way that Tramon Williams did earlier in the game. This is the third turnover by the Jets in Packer territory.
8. On 4th and 8 with just over four minutes left in the game, Charlie Peprah plays perfect coverage and breaks up a pass downfield. The Packers take over on downs, and it's all downhill from here.
9. Peprah strikes again. On the Jets last real opportunity for a game-winning drive, it's 2nd and 5 when Peprah lights up a receiver to prevent a big completion downfield.
10. On the next play, Clay Matthews torches Damien Woody with a spin move and sacks Mark Sanchez, bringing up fourth and long. The Jets are unable to convert, leading to the game-clinching Packer field goal with 27 seconds left.
Honorable mention goes to Sam Shields for sniffing out an end-around in the first quarter and using his speed to limit the ball carrier to a three-yard gain. That was a big-time play from our nickel back.
This game was a huge statement for our defense on the road against an AFC power.