GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 11: Erik Walden #93 of the Green Bay Packers drags Stefan Wisniewski #61 the Oakland Raiders into the end zone to score a touchdown after recovering a loose ball at Lambeau Field on December 11, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Raiders 46-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Could I possible write a post about the Green Bay Packers top defensive plays of the game and not included LB Clay Matthews? Maybe, but I know at least two other players who deserve a mention for three plays.
First Quarter
(12:21) C.Palmer pass short right intended for D.Heyward-Bey INTERCEPTED by D.Smith at GB 37. D.Smith to GB 48 for 11 yards (C.Palmer).
Rookie LB D.J. Smith ended what was looking like a promising first drive. But I wouldn't be giving credit where credit is due if I didn't mention the pressure applied by Matthews. It certainly encouraged Carson Palmer to throw a bad pass right at Smith.
Second Quarter
(12:17) C.Palmer pass short middle to D.Heyward-Bey to OAK 35 for 2 yards (M.Burnett)
On 3rd and 6, S Morgan Burnett came flying up and put a huge hit on Heyward-Bey. It lead to the punt that WR Randall Cobb should have let go into the end zone for a touchback.
(8:37) C.Palmer pass short right intended for D.Heyward-Bey INTERCEPTED by C.Woodson at OAK 26.
C.Woodson to OAK 25 for 1 yard (D.Heyward-Bey).
Ho-hum. Another route jumped by CB Charles Woodson as he muscled the ball away from the receiver. Isn't that what we expect him to do every week?
(:48) C.Palmer pass deep middle intended for K.Boss INTERCEPTED by R.Francois at GB -4. Touchback
The Raiders were already down by 31 points, but this interception had to have taken any momentum they had going after a nice two-minute drill. LB Robert Francois dropped back into coverage, and made a nice play on the ball.
Third Quarter
(3:00) (Shotgun) C.Palmer pass short middle to M.Reece to OAK 24 for 1 yard (R.Francois). FUMBLES
(R.Francois), touched at OAK 10, RECOVERED by GB-E.Walden at OAK 5. E.Walden for 5 yards,
TOUCHDOWN.
Their dreams of a shutout were dashed by a touchdown earlier in the quarter, but this was just a fun play. A big hit by Francois leads to a scramble for the ball, and Erik Walden scoops it up for a touchdown.
Poll
Which defensive play was their best in the win over the Raiders?
Smith's interception (122 votes)
Burnett's hit (22 votes)
Woodson's interception (75 votes)
Francois's interception (80 votes)
Walden's fumble recovery (121 votes)
420 total votes


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