I voted other because it's a combination of things that weren't up to snuff, IMO. They should have called at least some runs to burn the clock, understanding that there was a lot of time left, they are hard to run on and we needed to make a few first downs. The 4th & 1 play at mid-field for example. That was a WTF moment for me. Either punt it and try to pin them deep or give it to Lewis and see if he can get a yard. Why throw long to Edelman? That looked like just trying to run up the score and you set them up with great field position and lots of time to do something with it. I know he was open, but Brady overthrew him badly, which was a known risk at the time the play was called. Doing the usual thing would have given us better field position, better time on the clock or both. The defense was tired or checked out at that point and Lewis was gaining more than a yard on most, if not all of his carries. As TMQ would say, just to prove it was no fluke, the Pats again went pass-whacky on the last series where Brady was strip-sacked. At that point you've already telegraphed that you are sticking it up Rex's *** and Brady is going to throw, allowing the Buffalo D to tee off and get the turnover they desperately need. Why not call a draw there or a run? You should be milking the clock for all it's worth, not throwing for more yards! Not to mention keeping Brady, Gronk and Edelman in harm's way for another series. Curious tactics my dear George.
I guess it's coaching and play calling that were a disappointment for me in the 4th quarter yesterday. Luckily in the end it didn't matter, but we allowed the score to be much closer than it really was, if you get my meaning.
Edit - and I don't think this would be playing conservatively; it would be playing smart.
