Taking a Knee: Random Memory

[JD_KaPow]

Sunday's game was only the second time I can remember that the losing team took a knee to end a game. On Sunday, it looked like a mistake on Parcells' part - he didn't realize he wouldn't run down the clock, and so he put Gruden in the position of having to run a play.

The other time was ten years ago when the Switzer-led Cowboys beat the JJ-led Dolphins. The Cowboys were inside the Dolphins' 5 yard line. Instead of running (and possibly scoring a TD) or kicking a FG, Switzer had Aikman take a knee. The Fins got the ball with over a minute left and took a knee twice to end the game. It was really awkward for the Fins: normally, the losing team goes for points right up to the end, but when you got the ball because the other team took a knee, what are you going to do?

Is this as rare as I think? I've never seen it happen in other games (but then, I don't necessarily watch non-Cowboy games to the bitter end).

 

[YosemiteSam]

The other time was ten years ago when the Switzer-led Cowboys beat the JJ-led Dolphins. The Cowboys were inside the Dolphins' 5 yard line. Instead of running (and possibly scoring a TD) or kicking a FG, Switzer had Aikman take a knee. The Fins got the ball with over a minute left and took a knee twice to end the game. It was really awkward for the Fins: normally, the losing team goes for points right up to the end, but when you got the ball because the other team took a knee, what are you going to do?

This had everything to do with Switzer respecting Johnson and downing the ball instead of kicking it or going for the TD.

 

[lurkercowboy]

Sunday's game was only the second time I can remember that the losing team took a knee to end a game. On Sunday, it looked like a mistake on Parcells' part - he didn't realize he wouldn't run down the clock, and so he put Gruden in the position of having to run a play.

The other time was ten years ago when the Switzer-led Cowboys beat the JJ-led Dolphins. The Cowboys were inside the Dolphins' 5 yard line. Instead of running (and possibly scoring a TD) or kicking a FG, Switzer had Aikman take a knee. The Fins got the ball with over a minute left and took a knee twice to end the game. It was really awkward for the Fins: normally, the losing team goes for points right up to the end, but when you got the ball because the other team took a knee, what are you going to do?

Is this as rare as I think? I've never seen it happen in other games (but then, I don't necessarily watch non-Cowboy games to the bitter end).

It is fairly rare. Dallas did it at the end of the 1983 NFC championship game against the Commanders, only Drew Pearson took the snap.

The Packers did it at the end of the 1994 Thanksgiving game.

 

[JD_KaPow]

This had everything to do with Switzer respecting Johnson and downing the ball instead of kicking it or going for the TD.

Yeah, I remember that. There was no good option right there: either run up the score or make the losing offense come out and take a knee.

 

[joseephuss]

I wish it happened more often. I hate when a team that is losing by a large margin runs plays at the end of a game. John Madden mentioned it when Dallas was beating Carolina, but still trying to run their offense. It is just not worth the risk of injury in my opinion. Take a knee and start preparing for the next game.

 

[sonnyboy]

It is fairly rare. Dallas did it at the end of the 1983 NFC championship game against the Commanders, only Drew Pearson took the snap.

The Packers did it at the end of the 1994 Thanksgiving game.

1983 NFC Championship. Did you have to bring that up? What a sickening memory. Most of the team left and Person had to come back out with a few players to take a knee and kill the last few seconds. I bitter over that one still.

 

[AdamJT13]

Sunday's game was only the second time I can remember that the losing team took a knee to end a game. On Sunday, it looked like a mistake on Parcells' part - he didn't realize he wouldn't run down the clock, and so he put Gruden in the position of having to run a play.

I don't think someone as detail-oriented as Parcells would make that mistake. I'm guessing they came to an agreement during the two minute warning (Parcells somehow letting Gruden know he'd have Romo take three knees if the Bucs kneeled on it when they got the ball back).

 

[Muhast]

when i was a senior in high school (2004 season) my team kneeled down to run the clock out. we didnt waste enough clock and they got the ball back with a few seconds left , already in feild goal range. They made the kick and tied it. We beat them in overtime, but could you imagine kneeling the ball and giving the other team the ball back to win the game? lol. I almost threw a fit at my coach, but it turned out okay.

 

[lurkercowboy]

when i was a senior in high school (2004 season) my team kneeled down to run the clock out. we didnt waste enough clock and they got the ball back with a few seconds left , already in feild goal range. They made the kick and tied it. We beat them in overtime, but could you imagine kneeling the ball and giving the other team the ball back to win the game? lol. I almost threw a fit at my coach, but it turned out okay.

Talk about poor clock management.

 

[adamknite]

I think it shows Gruden isn't about stats. How many times after a team has a big loss players on that team appeared to have very good games, with stats mostly compiled during "garbage time".