Barrett celebrating with Jonathan Vilma
Slowed by thigh and hip injuries for the majority of the season, cornerback David Barrett battled through the pain and was able to consistently produce for the Jets throughout their wonderful 2006 run.
Barrett had a promising start in his third year in Hempstead even after limited participation in training camp because of a leg injury.
"It wasn't fun," said Barrett of watching his teammates sweat through drills at Hofstra while he was stuck on the sidelines.
Though frustrated, the savvy vet didn't skip a beat.
"I didn't really lose anything," he said. "I was still in my books everyday. It's not like I forgot everything just because I wasn't out there playing."
In the Jets' first three games, Barrett registered 17 total tackles, including a season-high seven at Buffalo. The former Arkansas Razorback also tallied interceptions in Weeks 2 and 3 after forcing a fumble in Week 1.
During the Jets' home opener against the Patriots in Week 2, it was Barrett's interception that kept the Green and White's second-half comeback alive. After wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery put the club on the board with a 71-yard touchdown reception, Barrett picked off a deep attempt by Pats quarterback Tom Brady at the Jets' 19-yard-line. That takeaway kept the momentum going for the host Jets as they scored another touchdown on the ensuing drive.
After spending the bulk of the season on the weekly injury report, Barrett was able to cap off the year with a forced fumble in the season finale against Oakland. On the Raiders' second possession, Barrett laid a hit on wide receiver Johnnie Morant, sending the ball to the turf before fellow veteran defensive back Hank Poteat pounced on it. That forced fumble set the Jets offense up in Oakland territory and led to their first touchdown of the afternoon, a one-yard scoring reception from Chad Pennington to tight end Chris Baker.
Barrett, a seven-year veteran, played in 13 games, starting three, and his three interceptions were one behind team leaders Kerry Rhodes and Andre Dyson. Often used in nickel and dime packages, Barrett proved to be vital in defensive coordinator Bob Sutton's young secondary.
