For me, it wasn't a glamour play, but when I saw Kris Jenkins throw off a block at the line and tackle a Dolphin running back for a loss, I thought to myself: "that's what a 3-4 defense can do!". The fact that we allowed something like 50 yards rushing says it all to me in terms of how this team will be different, and that Jenkins play was the tangible example....
There were a number of bright spots, but in terms of plays of the game, I'd have to say (1) Favre to Cotchery, showcasing a down-the-field passing game we haven't had in years; and (2) the Revis interception, which was brilliant and saved the win (stopping a completion was just good defense; holding onto the ball to prevent Miami from running any more plays was brilliant). While I wouldn't put them in the same category as the two plays above, I was very encouraged by: (1) Thomas Jones running in for touchdown, tying last year's total and looking good in the process; (2) Lowery's defense of a pass by the end zone, which capped off a stellar start for a rookie; and (3) key QB pressures by Pace and Thomas. In terms of positive notes, I would say: (1) the offense will be able to throw down the field (just wait until Keller gets going and Favre learns the plays); (2) the running game will be more productive this year (thanks to a better O-line and defenses having to respect the passing game); (3) it looks like we got three absolute studs in our defensive backfield, with Rhodes, Revis and now Lowery; (4) I think the pass rush will be better this year; and (5) we stopped the running game very well (Jenkins and Harris in particular helped there). Even with all those positives, however, we beat a 1-15 team by 6 points and needed last-second heroics to do it. There is still lots of room for improvement.
For me, it was our running and their running. The fact that TJ busted the century mark, the Ronnie & Rickie show sporting flat tires -- the best, the very best. And there was Lowery and Revis to clean up Chad.
