Why didn't anyone block Hightower?

[K. Dog]

Hightower's strip sack of Ryan was the turning point of the game. But it wasn't like he made some fancy juke or overpowered a blocker. Nobody blocked him at all:

Anyone know why?

 

[Ring 6]

Freeman was supposed to

 

[SONS_OF_BELICHICK]

the running back (freeman) turned his head looking to the left for a split second and that was enough to spring Hightower....As for what he was looking at ....you got me..

 

[SEA_Pat]

To me, this is one thing that somehow isn't being discussed even though it was among the most critical turning points of the game - our comeback basically began when three guys gang-tackled Tevin Coleman brutally the play before, and took him out of the game. I would like to know who they were, but it seemed like Branch, McLellin and Flowers.

As a result, a tired Freeman came in instead of resting and had to replace Coleman. The next play, he basically stood there waiting for someone while High raced straight past him, blowing his assignment and causing the turnover.

This was the result of sustained pressure eventually causing the Falcons to get tired and break and finally start making mistakes. Once that ball started rolling, it just picked up momentum.

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

We should send hightower more. I don't know how many times he has rushed the qb.

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

To me, this is one thing that somehow isn't being discussed even though it was among the most critical turning points of the game - our comeback basically began when three guys gang-tackled Tevin Coleman brutally the play before, and took him out of the game. I would like to know who they were, but it seemed like Branch, McLellin and Flowers.

As a result, a tired Freeman came in instead of resting and had to replace Coleman. The next play, he basically stood there waiting for someone while High raced straight past him, blowing his assignment and causing in the turnover.

This was the result of sustained pressure eventually causing the Falcons to get tired and break and finally start making mistakes. Once that ball started rolling, it just picked up momentum.

That started the momentum. We needed a short field. It was 3rd and 1 and they didn't run the football.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Freeman must have misunderstood the play call. Ryan called for Freeman to block. Freeman made a weak chip attempt and released for what he assumed was a screen to him. When Freeman turned and saw Ryan looking down field, he realized he blew the play and tried getting back, but by then it was too late.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Schmo]

Freeman was doing, "whatever he wanted on offense."

 

[farn]

Freeman was busy trying to figure out how he & his agent could get "top 5" $$$.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

Freeman was doing, "whatever he wanted on offense."

He was freelancing

 

[fxmallon]

If Freeman, it evened things out, because no Patriot picked him up on that first Atlanta play which went for about 40 yards.

 

[Tony2046]

Freeman was looking the wrong way after the ball had snapped.



I think he was checking for a left side corner blitz for some reason. But Hightower is closing fast and he's still looking down the line.


By the time he gets his head around Hightower is on him.


You say he didn't get blocked but Hightower already had leverage and ran through him.


Basically pushed him aside.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Why ask why? The title of this thread should be 'Thank You for Not Blocking Hightower.'

 

[Tony2046]

Freeman must have misunderstood the play call. Ryan called for Freeman to block. Freeman made a weak chip attempt and released for what he assumed was a screen to him. When Freeman turned and saw Ryan looking down field, he realized he blew the play and tried getting back, but by then it was too late.

Regards,
Chris

Geez Chris. You might be right. And if you add that the TE was blocking downfield he may of thought it was a screen for Freeman as well. Maybe Ryan got it wrong.

 

[RayClay]

I'm guessing high had been faking blitz and dropping [or someone had] even if freeman worked it, I doubt he stopps a raging hightower.

 

[scout]

Listened to Dan Patrick and Ross Tucker. Both were cynical of the play calling late in the game. They thought the Falcons should have run the ball. Also, they were not using up the ticks on the clock.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Geez Chris. You might be right. And if you add that the TE was blocking downfield he may of thought it was a screen for Freeman as well. Maybe Ryan got it wrong.

I think Freeman blew it. Julio was breaking free across the middle and that's who it appeared Ryan was about to throw to. That being said, I didn't notice the TE so maybe there was major miscommunication where both Freeman and the TE got mixed signals.

Regards,
Chris

 

[meatface]

That started the momentum. We needed a short field. It was 3rd and 1 and they didn't run the football.

I think the game really changed when the falcons didn't do anything with that field position on the onside kick

 

[Joker]

The Patriots won. Sorry if this hurts all the members of the twisted panties club.

 

[pheenix11]

Hightower shoved him like a fat chick at an all you can eat buffet