No time out at the end of the first half?

[supafly]

I voted for the "yes" option, meaning that I wanted them to take the time out.

After reading this thread and absorbing some of the finer points made by the OP and other posters, I change my mind, particularly remembering that CIN would be getting the ball first in the second half.

I get into the "make them punt it" mindset, but there could've been a major turnover or poor bounce of the ball that could've changed the entire game.

 

[Wheelman]

Cincy's offense was able to drive down the field each time, so BB made the right situational call.

 

[doesntmatter1]

For the reasons already stated, I believe we played it right. I would've like a few more seconds just in case Edelman returned it into fg range though.

 

[pwes]

I can see people having different opinions on when to use time outs, but I didn't expect to have to debate their importance. It factors heavily into the gamemanship and strategy during crunch time each game. Being able to save up to 40 seconds during a crucial part of the game most certainly matters.

That is not what I was saying at all. I know timeouts matter, in the right situation. My point was people worry about them when they are not going to help the team at all. This is a situation where I didn't think taking a timeout would have been beneficial. I said as much in the rest of my post.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

I figured I'd show you guys that I don't just disagree for the sake of being disagreeable.

What did you guys think?

I would say nobody in the Boston sports media would hire you with that attitude.

 

[DarrylS]

We have just reached the epitome of micromanagement of the Patriots Coaching Staff..

I have few, if any, issues with the clock management by the NEP.. when I watch other NFL games am always amazed at how poorly other teams do this.. even the way Cincinnati ran this series, as it seemed rather lackadaisical..

We are lucky, spoiled..

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

They had struggled but could go in at the half up. Take that and regroup.

 

[RayClay]

I agree with your agreeing, agreed?

Surprisingly, I find myself agreeable to all the agreeing.

 

[brdmaverick]

We have just reached the epitome of micromanagement of the Patriots Coaching Staff..
.

Not for nothing but aren't these exact types of things we should be discussing on a fan messageboard.

Player performance, referees, key plays, and yes, coaching decisions.

 

[brdmaverick]

That is not what I was saying at all. I know timeouts matter, in the right situation. My point was people worry about them when they are not going to help the team at all. This is a situation where I didn't think taking a timeout would have been beneficial. I said as much in the rest of my post.

I guess we'll have to disagree on this specifics of this situation then. After all, I feel like at least every other week there is a team that is able to get a last second field goal only needing 40 seconds and a timeout (or two).