Analyzing the Game
Regarding the Patriots decision to go for it on 4th, Gene Wojciechowski writes:
As for Belichick, I’m still waiting to hear a logical reason why a fourth-and-13 attempt at the Giants’ 31 makes more sense than a 49-yard field goal attempt. But that’s what Belichick decided to do with 6:49 left in the third quarter and the Patriots ahead 7-3.
Personally I respect this decision. It’s easy to criticize it now seeing the final results of the game. Had the patriots got the first down would this pundit still be critical of this decision? Seems unlikely.
The safe move, the more typical move would of been to go for the field goal. Such safe play calling wins super bowls but what it has not done is generate an undefeated team. Belichick seems to understand that. If you want great things you have to be willing to take great risks. That what Belichick did and I respect that.
February 4th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
4th and 13 though. I can see like 4th and 3, but come on… That’s just reckless. Or cocky. Either way it pretty much cost him the game.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I’ve noticed that Belicheck hasn’t trusted his kicker since they let vinaterri sign with Indy…. Given that that was several years ago, you’d think he would have corrected the problem by now. You at least think they should have a kicker that can kick a 49 yard field goal in a controlled temp environment in a game where points were hard to come by…. What would give him any reason to believe they could make a 4th and 13, when they couldn’t make first downs all night?
February 4th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
This willingness to take risks is what justifies Belicheck’s high salary… even if it doesn’t work out.
February 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Gostowski’s a good kicker, they should’ve kicked the field goal. Cheaters never win.
-anonymous