4th and 2 from your own 28, you're up by 6 and there's less than 2 minutes to go...

[FedEx227]

EXACTLY! Now you're getting it.

Truth be told we're getting very close to really being able to measure defense. There's a system in place pretty soon to track the speed, trajectory of batted balls, fielder positioning, etc.

[Scorask]

I'm not saying he couldn't have done it, because I also believe in making your defense go out there and win the game for you. But how many times have we seen Manning do this kind of thing? Look at the Miami game earlier this year when he drove down the field effortlessly taking NO time off the clock on multiple drives. He did it against Tampa Bay on Monday Night a few years ago. He did it to Belichick's Patriots in a playoff game. Again, I'm not saying it was guaranteed, but it makes sense to give yourself one more chance to pick up the two yards and keep him off the field entirely.

The defense was tired, Manning was hot, and they had two minutes with a timeout to spare. In that situation, maybe two yards on offense IS easier than stopping a 70-yard drive. Maybe Belichick DID give his team the best opportunity to win. But we'll never know for sure.

THIS.........

[Senser81]

THIS.........

????

I find this thread to be amazing in that it ends the debate of Tom Brady being better than Peyton Manning. Manning is obviously better than Brady, and, in addition to being the greatest QB of all-time, he is quite possibly the greatest player in NFL history regardless of position. He is a real-life version of Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl. Manning is guaranteed to score a TD from 70 yards away with less than 2 minutes on the clock...WOW!

[FedEx227]

You just can't stop him, why even bother?

This is amazing because most of the NE people are saying that you couldn't stop him while the Manning supports (like myself) say it's ridiculous to assume that from 70 yards out with less than 2 minutes remaining he was going to score.

[Woy]

So now Belichick has made two bad football-related moves.

This and also making Charlie Weis and Eric Mangini head coaches.

[TDAUG]

????

I find this thread to be amazing in that it ends the debate of Tom Brady being better than Peyton Manning.

Damn!

I was looking forward to many more years of that debate.

[Scorask]

????

I find this thread to be amazing in that it ends the debate of Tom Brady being better than Peyton Manning. Manning is obviously better than Brady, and, in addition to being the greatest QB of all-time, he is quite possibly the greatest player in NFL history regardless of position. He is a real-life version of Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl. Manning is guaranteed to score a TD from 70 yards away with less than 2 minutes on the clock...WOW!

You just can't stop him, why even bother?

This is amazing because most of the NE people are saying that you couldn't stop him while the Manning supports (like myself) say it's ridiculous to assume that from 70 yards out with less than 2 minutes remaining he was going to score.

If my opinion was that the Pats D would have stopped Manning, you both would have argued that Manning is Manning and he most likely would have scored, lol. Either way, IMO, coming back from being 17 point's down, momentum on their side, not only because of a 80 yard TD drive on their last possession, but also forcing the Pats to a 3 and out, I believe they would have scored. I could be wrong, but thats my opinion. Me saying the Colts would score is as ridiculous as you guys saying they wouldn't isn't it?

So now Belichick has made two bad football-related moves.

This and also making Charlie Weis and Eric Mangini head coaches.

Wouldn't that be 3 moves?

[FedEx227]

If my opinion was that the Pats D would have stopped Manning, you both would have argued that Manning is Manning and he most likely would have scored, lol. Either way, IMO, coming back from being 17 point's down, momentum on their side, not only because of a 80 yard TD drive on their last possession, but also forcing the Pats to a 3 and out, I believe they would have scored. I could be wrong, but thats my opinion. Me saying the Colts would score is as ridiculous as you guys saying they wouldn't isn't it?

We're being sarcastic. You can never do that with ANY player or any team. So many things can go into a 70 yard drive with 2 minutes there is no way to say "Well screw it, he's probably going to score anyway".

[Senser81]

If my opinion was that the Pats D would have stopped Manning, you both would have argued that Manning is Manning and he most likely would have scored, lol. Either way, IMO, coming back from being 17 point's down, momentum on their side, not only because of a 80 yard TD drive on their last possession, but also forcing the Pats to a 3 and out, I believe they would have scored. I could be wrong, but thats my opinion. Me saying the Colts would score is as ridiculous as you guys saying they wouldn't isn't it?

No, thats not the point. The point is that you make the Colts earn their game-winning TD. If the Colts go 70+ yards in under 2 minutes, then they deserve to win. The Patriots didn't make the Colts earn anything, they practically gave the game to the Colts.

[padman59]

If my opinion was that the Pats D would have stopped Manning, you both would have argued that Manning is Manning and he most likely would have scored, lol. Either way, IMO, coming back from being 17 point's down, momentum on their side, not only because of a 80 yard TD drive on their last possession, but also forcing the Pats to a 3 and out, I believe they would have scored. I could be wrong, but thats my opinion. Me saying the Colts would score is as ridiculous as you guys saying they wouldn't isn't it?



Wouldn't that be 3 moves?

More like 4 (including Crennel) and possibly 5 if McDaniels doesn't pan out.

[Deviant]

Well, here's the truth of it regardless:

- Go on 4th and 2 says the following: If I don't convert, the defense stop Peyton with only 30 yards.

- Punt on 4th and 2 says the following: I'm trusting my punter to pin Peyton back at least 70 yards and make them drive 70 yards to win.

Here's what I wonder. If Belichick and his defense stops Manning, is this still a stupid call? I still think so, but I wonder what others would think.

[Senser81]

Another question...

Who wins this matchup? Peyton Manning or Batted Ball?

[KINGOFOOTBALL]

I guess this decision doesnt bug me the way it has many.

Mike Francesca called it immediately after the the worst call by a guy who knows what hes doing ever. and went on and on about it.Dilfer lambasted him along with 2 of his former defenders.

All Im saying is this.

1. Since when does Bellyflop not go for it on 4th downs ? The guys gone for it more times than I can remember since 07. So him attempting it and being that arrogant is of no surprise.

2. Frankly it was a good play call. Just a bad result. Theres too much conservative play in this league so Im not going to knock someone for going for the throat. Ball was caught past the first down marker. Completed pass, past the LOS. I mean yes the guy was knocked back and everything else but thats player execution not play call.

3. It obviously shows his faith in the offense and lack of faith in the D. Hes assuming Peyton is getting down to the 30 in a few plays anyhow. Might as well try and put it away now. Even if they do score theres a shot they get the ball back after that with time left.

It obviously wasnt the right call , But Im not as shocked by it as people are based on Bellys past.

[KINGOFOOTBALL]

Another question...

Who wins this matchup? Peyton Manning or Batted Ball?

The only guy who can play both.

[Senser81]