The 3rd Down Punt was a statement

[R_T26]

If they run up the score they are called classless. If they show mercy and punt on 3rd down...they are called classless. Apparently you can't win the argument, and Pats proved it tonight. I wonder what fans think is more embarrassing to have happen to their team. Getting passed on all night or getting the ball back early because the other team feels bad.

 

[Nikolai]

I'm not sure it was a statement, but I come from the school that giving anything less than your best all game is a slap in the face to both teams, whether it means "running up the score" or not.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I doubt it. It was more like putting down a dead horse in a merciful way. Either that or BB's heart grew 3 sizes that day.

 

[BSR]

There was also the goal line series where they just ran the ball three times rather than go for the record. Obviously BB was feeling charitable yesterday.

 

[Deus Irae]

"Game's over and we don't want to risk a blocked punt or injured punter" was the statement I got out of that.

 

[PATSNUTme]

This shows that the NFL is far different from Pop Warner or even High School.

The Denver players seemed pissed that they did that. These are pro football players with a lot of pride. They would rather that the Patriots went for the score on 3rd down rather than practice a quick kick.

So much for the media and fans who get their "running up the score" panties all in a bunch.

 

[RobertWeathers]

The three runs on the goal line was to give the Polite some time with the O in live action in a short yardage situation (IMO).

The 3rd down punt was to protect Brady from getting hit.

Part of it is that BB does have respect for John Fox.

If it were say Jeff Fisher the score might be a bit different.

 

[BritPat]

"Game's over and we don't want to risk a block punt or injured punter" was the statement I got out of that.

Utterly correct.

 

[Patriot Missile]

If it were say Jeff Fisher the score might be a bit different.

If it were Jeff Fisher Brady would of had 8 passing tds and went for two point conversions. Hate that guy.

 

[Double TE]

If it were Rex Ryan, the Pats would have gone for 70!

 

[goheels22002]

Whatever. I just hope Brady is punting on 3rd down next week in the 4th quarter, too.

 

[jbb9s]

The 3rd down punt was to protect Brady from getting hit.

you're kidding right? put Brady in shotgun to have him punt is infinitely more likely to have him get hit then:

(A) run the ball
(B) have mesko punt on 3rd down
(C) put in hoyer

 

[ay-yo]

"Game's over and we don't want to risk a blocked punt or injured punter" was the statement I got out of that.

Mesko >>> Brady

 

[Satchboogie3]

I think the punt was a statement and Belichick having some fun. I also think that not having Brady/Gronk go for the records was a statement by Belichick. My thoughts are that he was stating that going for records was something you do in the regular season, not the playoff (unless your record is for wins of course...).

 

[jbb9s]

I think the punt was a statement and Belichick having some fun. I also think that not having Brady/Gronk go for the records was a statement by Belichick. My thoughts are that he was stating that going for records was something you do in the regular season, not the playoff (unless your record is for wins of course...).

this is probably pretty accurate. it is noteworthy that with all the great wins 01-04, they never really hung numbers on anyone so BB has never really crossed this record bridge until now.

I'd like to see Brady and Belichick get to 20 postseason wins together. Winning the next two SB's would put them there exactly.

 

[tasmlab]

Really, does anyone have a good football reason for the punt? I totally don't understand it.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

When it happened, I thought there were two possible explanations.

1) It's an obvious passing situation so let's not risk injury to Brady from a Kitchen Sink blitz.

2) BB is always looking for ways to put a wrinkle or two into a game; I thought it might also be real-time "practice" for using the play under different circumstances.

 

[Patriots2001]

BB loves history and he lets his players become a part of it..

Remember the pooch kick from Flutie

I think the players love thae fact that the coach will do things outside the lines at times..

GO PATS !!!!

 

[PatsFanSince74]

I think the punt was a statement and Belichick having some fun. I also think that not having Brady/Gronk go for the records was a statement by Belichick. My thoughts are that he was stating that going for records was something you do in the regular season, not the playoff (unless your record is for wins of course...).

I posted what I thought at the time two posts above, but you make a lot of sense as well. He could be saying that at this point in the game nothing is as important as getting out of Dodge with the W and all key players still healthy. And, yes, I thought back to "drop-kick Flutie" and he indeed might have been having some fun instead of practicing for another time.

 

[NinjaZX6R]

The second Brady was in the shotgun, I knew that play was coming. He was 7-8 yards past the LOS. Normally Brady is 4-5 yards behind the LOS for a shotgun snap.