Packers Over Raiders: Top 5 Defensive Plays Of The Game

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.