FINALLY! A Coach With Some Common Sense!

HacheMan · Dec 12, 2004

Yes I know the Bucs lost, but I have been bringing up the following forever, and have always wondered if the majority of NFL coaches have a clue. Im talking about the end of Tampa Bay/San Diego Chargers game. Bucs are down by 10 points, less than a minute left, as a matter of fact, only 20+ seconds left. Tampa Bay has the ball in San Diego territory obviously needing 2 scores, a field goal and TD to push it into overtime. Time is slim, and Bucs face a 4th down from Chargers 22 yard line. Unlike what almost every other coach would have done, John Gruden decides to kick the field goal getting 3 points out of the 2 scores they needed, and giving themself a chance with an onside kick. I cannot remember the last time I have seen this. Most teams/coaches ALWAYS try to score that TD, even if it's 4th down and even if they need 2 scores, which makes no sense at all,because if they fail to get it into end zone or pick up first down it gives them NO CHANCE if (usually when they dont) they don't make it........

jjgold · Dec 12, 2004

Grruden is a a known bettor, do I have to say any more??

D2bets · Dec 12, 2004

Hache, you're right, it was the correct play to try to give themselves the best chance to win the game. No doubt. Pointspreads notwithstanding.

HacheMan · Dec 12, 2004

D2 I cannot remember the last time I have ever seen such a call. I have always wondered what coaches were thinking........

oldmanTED · Dec 12, 2004

Hache:

While in most instances I would agree with you, in this particular case, since the Bucs were within throwing range of a TD, they should have gone for it. By taking the field goal, which was no guarantee at 41 yards, even if they recover the on side kick, they are still a long distance from getting a TD with less then 20 seconds to play. Whereas if they make the TD and recover the on side kick, they are only one play away from FG range. Fully recognize they needed two scores, but the FG wasn't guaranteed and a miss could have ended their chances just as easily as an incomplete pass.

blueedwards · Dec 12, 2004

oldmanTED said:
Hache:

While in most instances I would agree with you, in this particular case, since the Bucs were within throwing range of a TD, they should have gone for it. By taking the field goal, which was no guarantee at 41 yards, even if they recover the on side kick, they are still a long distance from getting a TD with less then 20 seconds to play. Whereas if they make the TD and recover the on side kick, they are only one play away from FG range. Fully recognize they needed two scores, but the FG wasn't guaranteed and a miss could have ended their chances just as easily as an incomplete pass.

exactly!!!

HacheMan · Dec 12, 2004

LOL.....No.....No......No......I did take that into consideration Ted, but here's why it was still the right call. They would need a long pass or Hail Mary for the win or tie in this circumstance EITHER WAY. Only 20 seconds left, even if somehow the Bucs pick up the 4th & 9, or get a TD, which was highly doubtful, that would of left what, about 12-13 seconds? Now thats ONLY if they got into endzone, if they only picked up 1st down, game over, not enough time woudl of been left anyhow.Ok, then they trail by 3, and still need an onside kick. If they recieve onside kick, they would not have time to get into field goal range, so would have to rely on Hail Mary to win it. Now, if you look at it the way they played it out, percentage-wise, they give themselves a better chance by taking the field goal over the TD from 21 yards out.A little confusing, but think it out......

Superhero · Dec 12, 2004

Clearly there are legitimate arguments on both sides here. I call this a "coaches judgement call" and nothing more. You guys have all the time in the world to think about this, Gruden had about 30 seconds. It could go either way, you make the best call you can that you hope will give your team the best chance...not much more to it that I can see. Good arguments can be made either way..

D2bets · Dec 12, 2004

Hache is right, run the scenarios and the likelihoods out and it's pretty clear Gruden made the right call for the situation. If they had been within the 5 yard line then I'd say go for the TD, but certainly not from the 25.

HacheMan · Dec 12, 2004

I feel a bit guilty about creating this thread around same time Blue made his about Tampa kicking the field goal. This thread has nothing to do with anyone eles of course and is probably a sore spot with those who wagered Tampa. I've just always wondered where most coaches heads are in instances such as this.....