There is no freaking way the Patriots should have lost to the Colts last night. The Pats played the better game — by far. Up to, of course, the foolish call by Belichick to try for a 4th and 2 on the Colts own 28 yard line with just 2 minutes left in the game.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the arrogance of the move and if they’d have made it, game over. But let’s face it, the gamble was stupid — the dumbest call I’ve seen Belichick make. Ever.
Give Payton Manning the ball with two minutes left with only a 6 point lead? Are you foolish? Any other quaterback, maybe. But not Payton Manning. I mean I’m as much a New England Patriots fan as anyone — but Payton Manning is the best quarterback in the NFL — bar none.
Sure, Brady is good and I’d probaby put him in the #2 spot. But taking a gamble against Payton with 2 minutes left on his own 28 year line is a gamble with long, long odds against you.
Belichick was foolish to go for it. Could Payton have still scored if he had to march 60 or 70 yards to the end zone? Probably — but Belichick took that option away in his gamble that lacked common sense. There was at least the possibility that marching all the way down the field would have taken more plays and more time than the Colts had left.
This was Belichick self-destructing.
Brady said after the game that he supported the call and that Belichick was “being aggressive.” Brady: “we have a chance to go out there and make the play to win. It’s easy to second-guess. If we gain seven more inches, it’s a good call.’’
That’s pure garbage.
You didn’t gain the seven inches, and the call stunk. Belichick should have done what 99% of the other coaches in the league would have done: punt the friggin' ball.
It was a dumb call against long odds. Now the Colts are 9–0 and the Pats are 6–3. They had the chance to knock off an undefeated team and show they were back on top of the league. Instead, they limp home having blown a 17–point lead.
Don’t let Belichick or the other players sugar-coat this loss: The Colts won with a stake to the heart.
This game was just fantastic. So exciting, it lived up to the hype.
The 4th and 2 call was definitely all or nothing, I don't mind the call Belichick made. I don't think it was lack of confidence in his defense as much as more confidence in his offense. And it is Peyton, he would've went 65 yards as easy as he went the 30 or so.
Hope they meet again in the playoffs.
Posted by: Andy | November 16, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Blaming one person doesn't do any good. Everything happen for a reason. Anyways, this was the most exciting game ever. Loved it. Indeed, one team's victory is a just the fans' reward. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mitch | November 17, 2009 at 04:22 AM