5 Plays That Decided It

Every NFL game comes down to critical moments, and on those plays, the game is decided. Certainly the other plays serve to set the table for these moments, but it is the execution of these plays that loom larger, and determine which way the cookie will crumble.

Moore was paying attention in film study, and forced

Thomas' third fumble of the season. 

1. Moore Punches It Free - Being an emotional fan, I sprang to my feet after seeing this play. "Holy crap! Did you see that?" First thing I wanted to say was, "It was a misread by Tavon Wilson to leave Moore 1-on-1 with a bigger, faster WR." I think Wilson should have taken an angle to get over-the-top of Thomas, but instead he bit down on an interior route. Sterling Moore didn't have bad coverage (trailed by a step), but Wilson needs to recognize that Demaryius Thomas is open, and give some help. Wilson is a solid tackler, and he's decent in man-cover, but he made some mistakes in deep zone reads.

Luckily, Sterling Moore made a play that reminded me of the infamous Leigh Evans play from the AFCCG. Moore seemed to look for the strip instinctively, and my guess is that Belichick and the coaches showed the team a good deal of tape on Thomas, and his ball protection. Good preparation leads to good on-field results. This play was absolutely huge because it stunted Denver's momentum and took away at least 3 points from Manning and his newfound horses.

2. Ninkovich Strip Sack - Ninkovich got a nice speed rush around the edge to get to Manning. The Tackle ran Ninkovich around the corner, and Peyton didn't see him loop around. Manning kept his eyes downfield as Ninkovich swatted the ball to the ground. More important than the mere turnover was the timing of the play.

Rob Ninkovich picked his spots to be dominant

On the previous drive, New England's Offense drove the ball 16 plays for a TD, chewing up 5 minutes of clock. Peyton Manning took over at the 20, and Ninkovich brought the heat. The turnover lead to 7 more New England points on the very next play. This was a 14 point swing at a time when the game was still close. Likewise, a one play turnover totally sapped the momentum from Manning and The Broncos.

3. Ninkovich Forces Another - Rob Nikovich had a quiet game aside from his two forced fumbles. Nevertheless, those two plays loomed large in the outcome. This play featured Ninkovich getting off his block, and sliding into the running lane to make the tackle. Not only did Ninkovich make a nice play to make a tackle, but he put a heavy claw on the ball. He pretty much hit the football cleanly out of McGahee's grasp (which was high and tight). Just like the other fumble, this play is featured here more for its timing than its outcome.

Stevan Ridley lost a fumble as The Patriots were driving to kill the clock, and that turnover put the pressure on The Patriots Defense to hold a 10 point lead. The Broncos looked to be driving with ease, completing nearly every pass in their march down to the red zone. However, when Manning handed off to McGahee, disaster struck. The Broncos would have at least come away with a FG to make it a one score game, but instead Ninkovich made a great play. After the fumblr, Brady and company were able to get a first down and kneel out the rest of the time.

4. Dennard Defends on 3rd & 5 - Usually I like to have some balance between Offense and Defense in this segment, but in my eyes, it was the Defense that made the critical plays in the tough moments. Yes, The Offense converted 11 3rd downs, and each one contributed to the win, but this stop was bigger than anything the Offense did. Dennard was playing a zone concept, and he read Manning perfectly. He broke on Brandon Stokely's route, and did very well to reach around and swat the ball to the ground. Bill Belichick spoke of this play as a "turning point" in the game. After this stop, The Patriots Offense marched down the field (from their own 1) for a FG. The drive left Manning and The Broncos with no time to respond, and The Pats went into the half up 17-7.

Fonzy was targeted 5 times, and allowed 0 catches

Alfonzo Dennard brought a new element to The Patriots secondary, and it may have been the missing ingredient. Dennard was targeted 5 times, and allowed 0 catches. Granted, Fonzy was beat by Tamme on one play, but Manning led his TE a bit too much. Dennard is a diminuitive corner, but he showed good speed on the outside as well as some quickness in and out of breaks. He showed many of the skills that had so many draft-gurus high on him. With performances like this, he may prove to be a steal in the 7th round.

5. Woodhead Converts 3rd & 14 - Danny Woodhead had two huge conversions: this one on a catch and run and another on a 3rd and 17 on a draw play. I favor the 3rd and 14 because of the timing and field position where it took place. The Patriots were at their own 11 yard line on their final drive of the second quarter (after the Dennard stop). A failed conversion here would have given The Broncos great field position, and a chance to tie the game at 14-14.

Woodhead broke loose for 25 yards on a broken play
on 3rd and 14.

Not only was this a critical play, but Brady and Woodhead make a tough throw and catch look easy. Brady is unable to find anyone open downfield. The pressure comes around the edges to force Brady up and out of the pocket. Brady scrambles, and is able to find Woodhead as the play breaks down. This was reminicient of a similar play last week. Woodhead is great at getting uncovered during a broken play, and that shows up on this play. Also, credit to Brady for making a running throw that's right on target for Woodhead to catch and run to complete the play. Although this drive ends in 3, not 7, The Patriots ran out the clock and took control of the game before halftime.

*All pictures are not mine, and I do not claim ownership, but hope to use the use the images fairly, for educational purposes.