Actually, I seem to remember a game about 10 years ago where the Steelers attempted a crucial FG on 3rd down. I can't remember who they were playing, but I think Norm Johnson was the kicker. The FG was blocked and the Steelers recovered the ball. Since the FG attempt had not crossed the line of scrimmage they were able to try again on 4th down made the kick and won the game. It may not happen often, but the smart move is to kick on 3rd down. On Sunday the Steelers had control of the clock, they could have kicked on 3rd down with 9 or 10 seconds left. Make the FG, do a squib kickoff, and the Eagles may have a second or two left for one play from their 30 yard line or so. The OP is absolutely correct, kicking on 3rd down is the smart play.
It's not even comparable. "Icing the kicker w/a Timeout" is like playing Russian roulette.
Kicking on 3rd down is precautionary. It's a BACKUP plan. Is it that difficult to figure out? Why do you have a 2nd QB active on game days? Ding Ding Ding..... we have a winner! Because he's a backup just in case your starter gets hurt. Kicking on 3rd down is YOUR BACKUP PLAN. There might not be a bad snap 99 out of 100 game winning field goals. You do it because of it'll save your butt on that one. period.
Add in the fact that the weather wasn't great and it's even more obvious....
My question to Tomlin would be...... If it was the Super Bowl, would you have kicked the FG on 3rd down. If the answer is yes (and it probably would be) then his decision on Sunday is even moreso moronic.
Tomlin: Let's unleash hell and "mop the floor" with the competition.
Nothing wrong with the move? Seriously? Absolutely incredible.
So, this is the scenario....
It's the Super Bowl and we are down by 2.
It's 3rd and 10 from the 20 with 30 seconds left.
The Steelers run the ball to make it 4th and 8 from the 18 and run the clock down to :02 seconds.
The holder bobbles the ball and takes a sack. Turnover on downs and no time left. The Steelers lose the Super Bowl.
Tomlin: Let's unleash hell and "mop the floor" with the competition.
A bobbled field goal? Yeah, that'll never happen in a critical moment....
Tomlin: Let's unleash hell and "mop the floor" with the competition.
Bookmarks