Key Plays: Packers at Jets

There were a couple key offensive and special teams plays that led to points for the Green Bay Packers. Such as the thwarted fake punt attempt in the 1st quarter, and the 30 yard pass to WR Greg Jennings on the next play. Their was also the 14 yard pass to WR Jordy Nelson in the 4th quarter that set up the second field goal. But this was a defensive game, and the biggest plays were the ones that ended any chances the Jets had to score. The Packers won the battle for field position, and it forced the struggling Jets offense to consistently move down the entire length of the field. Something they obviously could not do.

From the play-by-play at NFL.com. 

Second Quarter

(15:00) Direct snap to 16-B.Smith. 16-B.Smith left end to GB 29 for 4 yards (58-F.Zombo). FUMBLES (58-F.Zombo), RECOVERED by GB-38-T.Williams at GB 29. 38-T.Williams to GB 34 for 5 yards (68-M.Slauson). New York Jets challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 14:51.)

(4:55) 6-M.Sanchez pass short right intended for 89-J.Cotchery INTERCEPTED by 38-T.Williams at GB 40. 38-T.Williams to GB 40 for no gain (89-J.Cotchery). New York Jets challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #3 at 04:48.)

Two plays in Packer territory that ended promising drives. There were no guarantees the Jets were going to score on either drive, and neither turnover led to points for the Packers. But after a punt and a missed K Mason Crosby field goal, both turnovers pushed the Jets offense back onto their side of the field. In a low scoring game, these field position battles were the difference.

Fourth Quarter:

(10:42) 6-M.Sanchez pass short left intended for 81-D.Keller INTERCEPTED by 21-C.Woodson at GB 43. 21-C.Woodson to GB 43 for no gain (81-D.Keller).

Once again, the Jets had put together a drive (started from their own 18 yard line) that had gotten into Packer territory. And then CB Charles Woodson blew it up. This actually led to the second field goal, but it too was another field position battle won as the Jets got the ball back after the kickoff on their own 19 yard line.

(4:18) (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanchez pass incomplete deep left to 89-J.Cotchery (26-C.Peprah).

This was actually the third in a series of three incompletions to WR Jerricho Cotchery (thanks in large part to a huge hit by S Charlie Peprah). It was the fourth time that the Jets turned the ball over in Packer territory. It only took them 28 seconds to get the ball back, but by then the Jets were pushed back 40 yards and were left with no timeouts.