[RealSNR]

Depends. For me I think I just love watching execution. There's something beautiful about the way a unit can confidently assert and execute. It could be that Aaron Rodgers game against Atlanta in the playoffs, where he played the game better than any QB I've ever seen. Or the Chiefs' offensive line running off tackle left with Priest Holmes even though the defense knows full well that play is coming. And they still make it happen. But since this thread is about defense, there's one particular play that absolutely speaks to what I'm talking about.

The San Francisco 49er defense in the playoffs for instance. Watching those guys work together was such a treat. One of those Drew Brees interceptions in the 1st quarter was just incredible. Justin Smith, of course, beat his men off the line of scrimmage, and had the position, strength advantage, momentum, and timing. He destroyed his side. Drew Brees rolled away from Smith, dictating his attention (mostly) away from half the field, or it forced his receivers to change their routes. You could see Brees attempting to locate Sproles, who had just been taken out by Willis when he was coming out of the backfield. Jimmy Graham was staying behind to block, but you could tell he was attempting to get free as an outlet. Meanwhile, there was Navarro Bowman hot on Brees' tail. Something had to happen, and that was the interception.

In that single play there were so many different possible escape valves that could have been activated for the Saints offense. The 49ers didn't worry about that. They knew that if they executed and did all of their jobs properly, that they could take down that play. And that's exactly what happened. And it wasn't haphazard or luck or even a correct "guess" in terms of coverage. It happened in a quick succession of steps.

1. Boom. Justin Smith raped your tackle/guard. Divert the QB and offensive flow in one direction. The play hasn't even been going on for 2 seconds yet and already one player has given the defense the sizable advantage.

2. Find possible short outlets and get them neutralized. Check.

3. Keep the coverage tight. Be cognizant of any possible lateral movements like Jimmy Graham breaking off the block and getting open for a short gain

4. To prevent that from happening, keep the offense off-balance, shorten the time they have to process new options. Force the play while you still have the advantage.

5. Like a queen in chess, a solution has been found. Navarro Bowman to Brees' asshole. Checkmate.

Total time: Not sure, but it happened REALLY fast. It was efficient, effective, and deadly.

Beautiful.