One play epitomized the defensive upgrades vs. the Patriots. On the very first play of the fourth quarter, the Patriots had 2nd-and-3 on their own 38. The Jets had just taken a 21-14 lead, and everything was set up for a classic final 15 minutes between the longtime rivals. Tom Brady was under center, prepared to do what all 78,000-plus at the New Meadowlands Stadium expected: Lead his team down the field to tie the game.

Brady took the snap, dropped back two steps and immediately looked right, where Randy Moss was being guarded by Cromartie, who'd taken over when Revis went out with a hamstring injury. With some pressure in his face, the QB lofted a pass 17 yards downfield and hit his favorite target perfectly in stride along the Patriots' sideline. As he'd done earlier in the game on his touchdown, Moss leaped to catch the ball with just his right hand. But instead of hauling it in, he bobbled it, allowing Cromartie to recover on the play. As the ball hung in midair, the cornerback tackled Moss, ending the chance at a reception for both of them.

The ball didn't fall to the turf though. Jets FS Brodney Pool, who had started the play in the middle of the field, had come over to help Cromartie bring down Moss. Pool missed the Ravens game with an ankle injury but appeared to be fully healthy on this play, as he camped under the batted ball, pulled it into his chest and dragged both feet inbounds to make the catch. The referees called it incomplete initially, but Rex Ryan challenged and replays proved the interception was legal.