Bill blew it by punting in overtime

[T-RO]

Let's ask this simple question: What are the odds of the Pats picking up 3 yards?

Pats weren't down near the goal line, so the field is open. Mac Jones had completed 75% of his passes.

You know the odds would be 50-50 or better. Probably 65-35 in favor.

 

[droopdog7]

Only real shot of them winning the game was to go for it, though. I think that’s the point the OP was making.

The probability of the Pats getting the ball back after punting was very low. His defense had already given up 500+ yards, but Belichick voluntarily gave up the ball to gain 34 yards of field position. And for the Cowboys offense, those 34 yards are gained in a play or two.

It’s easy to say now but you still have to play the game the right way. You can’t go for it in that situation. Just can’t.

 

[lqmac1]

There is absolutely no chance he was giving our offense that field position.

I took that as a major gesture of respect from him.

 

[TWOK11]

All you need to ask yourself is this: Were you relieved when the punt team ran out?

If you were, and we all know you were, then it was the wrong decision. EVERYONE watching that game knew that if Dallas got the ball back they were going to go right down the field and get at least a field goal. Whether or not it took an extra 2-3 plays and 30 yards is meaningless.

 

[droopdog7]

All you need to ask yourself is this: Were you relieved when the punt team ran out?

If you were, and we all know you were, then it was the wrong decision. EVERYONE watching that game knew that if Dallas got the ball back they were going to go right down the field and get at least a field goal. Whether or not it took an extra 2-3 plays and 30 yards is meaningless.

So what you’re saying is that they should have been in four down territory all the way down the field? Is that your stance? Because it’s crazy.

And I’m always relieved when they punt. Always.

 

[AyeAtey]

I was nervous he might go for it, as soon as punt team came out I liked our chances

Amen

 

[T-RO]

Reid, McVay, Staley, Arians and others would have gone for it there.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

I can just see all the people that say Bill made the wrong call by not going for it. They're sitting at home and they see the punt team run out and they start cursing and demanding that bill be fired.

 

[T-RO]

It’s easy to say now but you still have to play the game the right way. You can’t go for it in that situation. Just can’t.

Last year--with a backup QB in the playoffs--Andy Reid chose to go for it on 4th down--midfield. Trusted his QB to make play. And his team even had the lead!

You can. You just can.

 

[jwooten15]

It’s easy to say now but you still have to play the game the right way. You can’t go for it in that situation. Just can’t.

About 75-80% of current NFL head coaches would have went for it there. Analytically, that is the “right call”. This is 2021, not 1992.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Today, I noticed Bill is still playing the field position game. Great coach. But, with his seeming rejection of analytics, the game is in the process of passing him by. They all go through it. Landry did.

 

[T-RO]

About 75-80% of current NFL head coaches would have went for it there. Analytically, that is the “right call”. This is 2021, not 1992.

Some coaches...and many fans haven't looked at their football calendars...in forever. Their brains are stuck.

 

[jwooten15]

Some coaches...and many fans haven't looked at their football calendars...in forever. Their brains are stuck.

Couldn’t agree more!

Heck, the Chargers were going for it early in the game from their own 39. And then later, went for it from their own 19 lol. I think that’s a little risky, but it does show how the game has evolved.

At all points in the game, we routinely see teams going for it on 4th & short around midfield. It’s just the way the game is played now. But you’re right — some people will never accept it

 

[JD_KaPow]

Aaron Schatz posted something about how Bill suddenly got much less aggressive after 2012 or so, for no apparent reason.

And yes, obviously they should have gone for it. You don't just willingly put the ball in this offense's hands with us needing only a FG.

 

[T-RO]

But you’re right — some people will never accept it

It's fear of risk, and fear of change. "We've always done it this way."

I say the real risk is conceding a possession...your offense is not likely to see the ball again.

 

[TWOK11]

So what you’re saying is that they should have been in four down territory all the way down the field? Is that your stance?

In overtime? Yes

The way that game was going, punting it to Dallas while also immediately converting the game to a sudden death scenario was a de facto forfeit. If you don't believe me, go check out NE pundits on social media. To a man they all concede they felt the game was over when NE punted.

 

[JD_KaPow]

So what you’re saying is that they should have been in four down territory all the way down the field? Is that your stance? Because it’s crazy.

And I’m always relieved when they punt. Always.

They should have been prepared to go for 4th-and-short all the way down the field. Maybe not 4th-and-3 from their own 25, but even 4th-and-1 there would be the right call.

 

[Verdict]

The Patriots averaged 10.9 yards per pass attempt today (this stat excludes sacks)
The Patriots averaged 4.4 yards per rush attempt

So what did Belichick do in overtime needing just 3 yards with the Pats at their own 46?

He did what other traditional dinosaur coaches do: punted. Surrendered the ball for 34 yards of field, which wasn't likely to matter to the Cowboys offense, which gobbled up 567 yards on the day.

The sport is getting smarter. People like Bill...are not.

All I know is I was glad to see them punt. Lol.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Bill believed in his defense. His gamble backfired. Welcome to 2-4 Bill.

 

[JD_KaPow]

It’s easy to say now but you still have to play the game the right way. You can’t go for it in that situation. Just can’t.

Of course you can, and teams do. The "right way" is the way that maximizes your chances of winning.

What's your reasoning?