Something in the Pittsburgh-Jacksonville game just occurred that has been driving me absolutely nuts for a while now. I am so sick of NFL coaches completely out-thinking themselves on important plays–particularly 4th downs and 2-point conversions. I have been meaning to post this pet peeve for a while now (I’ve even had a sort of draft written for a couple of weeks now), and I kind of wish that it didn’t come into play tonight on such a big stage because my complaint may not seem as long-standing. But, either way it is completely frustrating to me. So, friends, lend me your ears so I can finally get it off my chest…
The occurrence that happened tonight was with Pittsburgh going for two from the TWELVE yard line. Why? Why? Why? Personally, I was semi-rooting for Jacksonville because with no horse in the race, I am just looking for good football, and I think the Jags will give New England a better game next week. But, I was still yelling “Forget the f&*^-ing chart” when Tomlin decided to go for two. I hate that chart. You probably all know by now that if he kicks the extra point (from the 12 yard-line) then he does not have to go for two on the next TD, and the Steelers get to 31 points with Jacksonville’s final FG only tying the game.
(By the way, I am listening to Mark Schlereth on ESPN right now and he is saying exactly what I have been wanting to say for a while now–exactly why I wish it hadn’t happened, but oh well. I’m sorry that you are hearing this again from another person.)
But, I have been upset by this for several years now with NFL coaches. I am not, in any way, saying that they are not smart, informed or good at what they do. I am also not saying that they do not make good decisions. I have never been one of those guys that claims to know better than any coach in any sport (with the possible exception of Steve Lappas). However, I am completely frustrated with these 2-point conversion and 4th down playcalls. I have had this conversation with my esteemed colleague, Doogan, on several occaisions. I do not believe in going for any 4th down that is a yard or more before the 4th quarter. I also do NOT believe in those silly 2-point charts. Do NOT go for 2 unless you absolutely must. Joe Gibbs knows that from the Week 10 loss to the Eagles, and Omar Epps (playing the role of Mike Tomlin) learned that tonight. Either way, I am so irritated by intelligent NFL coaches out-thinking themselves on 4th down and 2-point situations.
Sorry this is such a flustered explanation. I guess that is why they say not to let emotion infiltrate your work. Anyway, as always, thanks for listening, friends…
Exactly what I’m f’ing talking about with Norv Turner going for it on 4th down up by 4 in the 4th quarter. It worked and Tomlinson scored, but that, in my humble opinion, is a STUPIDLY MORONIC decision. Take the FG, so that a TD does not beat you. Do I have write another one on this. STOP GOING FOR IT–TAKE THE GODDAM POINTS!!! Sorry…
And Phil Simms thought it was the right decision for some reason. I think if you’re on the road and you’re the underdog, maybe you go for it in that situation. But the Chargers were neither of those things. You have to just take the field goal and the 7-point lead.
Hmm see I guess I am in minority here, but I disagree with you two. While I didnt see the Pitt-Jax one, but with the one yesterday you are up 4 in the 4th quarter, if you settle for the FG there you lose to a TD and two point conversion. I didnt even think that one was a question, and the people I was watching with yesterday were surprised the commentators even brought it up at all as a question. 4th and goal, from the one? Put it in the endzone. And if by some chance you don’t make it, you have Tenn starting a drive from the one yard line on the road in the 4th quarter of a playoff game – a real tough spot. To me, and again, it seems as though the Broad Street Believers party line is against this and has said it more then once, but if thats me, I follow the sage advice of Herm Edwards and play to win the game.
By the way the post was better without the explanation of the Omar Epps pic.
I’ll take the blame for the explanation of the Omar Epps pic. I was a little confused, at first.
As for the 4th and 1, I actually think coaches should go for it MORE than they do, in general. Bry disagrees with that. But, in this case, I thought it was dumb not to kick the FG.
But Doog, why? Lemme run it through your way. You kick the FG, you are up 7 (assuming you make it which fine I will concede that). You kick off. At best you are giving them the ball, they need 80 yards at most, and they have the chance to beat you! Or you go for the TD. You get it, its basically the game. You dont, they have to go 99 yds! I dont understand the argument, I truly dont, even if it just based on a field position game. Forget about how their offense was terrible and couldnt do anything all day. I am not trying to be argumentative, and from the original posting it seems like this is something you covered lots in the past, maybe before I got on here. But I dont see how you dont go for that TD.
In the broadest possible terms, I think that coaches don’t go for it enough on 4th down, especially when they’re between the opposing team’s 30-40 yard line. You’re not kicking a high percentage field goal from there and, unless you’ve got Jeff Feagles, there is too much of a chance you’re going to either punt it in the end zone or leave it short trying not to punt it in the end zone. Plus, you don’t get endless chances over the 50, so I think you have to take the risk and try to get points trusting your defense if you don’t make it. But that’s in the broadest possible terms. To me, it totally depends on the situation. Who are you? Who are they? Whose your running back? What’s the weather like? Whose your kicker? Who has the time of possesion advantage? Without knowing all those factors, I think it’s real hard to lay a rule down. With the Giants, I generally like to see them go for it on 4th and two or less because Jacobs is a monster and I’ll take my chances that he falls forward for the yardage. In San Diego’s situation, I would have taken the points to push it to 7.
I don’t think it’s as easy to get in the end zone from the 1-yard line as maybe you’re assuming. Especially against a tough D-line with a guy like Albert Haynesworth on the interior. I actually don’t think Tomlinson even scored on the play; his forward progress was stopped before he reached the ball over the line. Again, when you have the superior team and you’re on your home field, I say take the 7-point lead in that spot.
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