Patriots HAD to go for it on 4th - New England Patriots Forums

solman · 10-28-2007, 08:37 PM

If BB wants to run up the score, I won't have a problem with it.

But going for it on 4th down (instead of kicking a FG) is NOT running up the score.

You should always go on it on 4th down if:

1. You have a big lead late in the game
2. You are in field goal territory
3. You have a makable 4th down

If you kick a field goal you get an unimportant three points, but at considerable cost:

1. You give the ball back to the other team, giving them more opportunities to come back.
2. You have to kick the ball to the other team, giving them the chance for a game changing return.
3. You give the other team the opportunity to make a game changing play by blocking the field goal, perhaps running it back for six.
4. You give the other team the opportunity to gain momentum from a missed FG.

Kicking the FG is stupid football. That is one thing that you'll never see BB do.

Keeping Brady in the game (to get his third TD) could be considered running up the score. Going for it on 4th was a necessity.

LaBrady · 10-28-2007, 08:39 PM

Good points dude, but we know all this! You should somehow try to explain this to the media!

SaCaCh · 10-28-2007, 08:41 PM

Nope the 2 yard punt...that what others want us to do. Kick it straight up in the air.

sieglo · 10-28-2007, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solman

If BB wants to run up the score, I won't have a problem with it.

But going for it on 4th down (instead of kicking a FG) is NOT running up the score.

You should always go on it on 4th down if:

1. You have a big lead late in the game
2. You are in field goal territory
3. You have a makable 4th down

If you kick a field goal you get an unimportant three points, but at considerable cost:

1. You give the ball back to the other team, giving them more opportunities to come back.
2. You have to kick the ball to the other team, giving them the chance for a game changing return.
3. You give the other team the opportunity to make a game changing play by blocking the field goal, perhaps running it back for six.
4. You give the other team the opportunity to gain momentum from a missed FG.

Kicking the FG is stupid football. That is one thing that you'll never see BB do.

Keeping Brady in the game (to get his third TD) could be considered running up the score. Going for it on 4th was a necessity.

Kicking a FG also runs less time off the closk than getting a first down and a new set of downs to work with.

Snarf · 10-28-2007, 08:48 PM

No!!!

We should have just HANDED them the ball.

Or "fumbled" it to them.

Or said "ok, we know you are so SUCKY that we'll just give you the football here, so that your precious self estemeeies aren't hurt".

This "running up the score" BS makes me want to puke.

How weak, how CLASSLESS to expect or demand that an offense "take it easy" on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***mgteich*** · 10-28-2007, 08:50 PM

Why was Brady playing at that point?

bpeter17 · 10-28-2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Kicking a FG also runs less time off the closk than getting a first down and a new set of downs to work with.

what was the score? Was anyone actually worried about losing?

***PittPatriot*** · 10-28-2007, 08:55 PM

Personally, I don't care if they throw hail mary's until the 2 minute warning, but I think PASSING it after going for it on 4th down in a decided game is what raises the red flag for the media/observers. If we'd run it off tackle repeatedly after making the 4th down, it'd be better received than bringing in Vrabes and Seau and then passing. But...who gives a rat's a*s about perception. This Patriots team is cold-blooded and is shooting for 'all-time' status. These are bad men.

homergreg · 10-28-2007, 09:02 PM

I'm just tickled watching Pats fans defending this after years of hearing it from many Pats fans over the last few years. I've heard complaining from Pats fans when the Colts were scoring in the THIRD QUARTER! I've got no issue with the number of points the Pats are scoring, it only counts for one win if you win by one or one hundred.

But it sure is fun watching so many Patriots fans try to justify how their team got to 8-0. It's awesome as it is, don't try to justify it!

MrBigglesWorth · 10-28-2007, 09:07 PM

regardless of going for it or not... the Pats have ironically been in this situation in about half their games this season and we have tis same conversation.