I have the Titans/Pats game on DVR still and went back to watch some of it because there are numerous times where you see Judge in action, conversing with Belichick, the refs, his players, etc.
I just saw that punt again and it perplexes me to no end. Even worse would have been if the ball slowly rolled around for 10-15 seconds and could have literally ended the game. But the point is that Edelman was literally just sitting in the middle of the field doing nothing of any importance whatsoever. And before the play you actually see Judge pointing at him and Edelman is like "really? just stay right here? Like, HERE here?" And Judge is like yes perfect right there.
And then the Titans down the ball at the 1 yard line. If he had stayed back and taken a fair catch it would have saved time and yardage.
Judge said in the NYG press conference (I know, it was so stupid for that reporter to even ask a question about the Pats game): "That's a question you'll have to ask Foxboro." But he did also say there was a schematic reason for it. I'm sure that was entirely Belichick's call, not Judge's, but it literally made BB look insane for a half a minute.
Anyone have any ideas what was going on there?
It's fine that they didn't have anyone back if they wanted to go for the block. But Edelman was just sitting in the middle of nowhere doing nothing! If you're going to go for the block, send all 11 guys at the punter. But don't waste body entirely with Edelman doing nothing of any importance.
Yes they won it all last year and have been the best team in football for a while. However more and more the team looks less prepared for those special or situational game changers where BB outsmarts his opponents.
He’s lost so much staff over the years, perhaps he can’t carry as much weight. He is the greatest I’ve ever seen, but having reliable staff is critical. Wonder if he made the decision on his own and didn’t seek input.
The irony that he used the time killing tactic in a meaningless game and showed off and it came back to haunt him when it mattered. Guaranteed if he didn’t use it in the Jets game nobody would have known about it. Those are the types of mistakes he wouldn’t have made in the past.
Was just bad luck and a well executed punt by the Titans...
Looks like they thought they could get the block with 8, protected for the fake, had players in place for a shank, and thought it could also go in the end zone. Watching again they got close for the block.
Link - ( New Window )
If the Pats don’t intercept that pass on the goal line a few years ago in the Super Bowl, Belichick gets second guessed for not using his timeouts there.
Games are fluid in real time, one can always go back after the fact and second guess, fans and media do it all the time; doesn’t always mean they are justified in doing so
Punt block
Titans go for it and don't get it
I think the Pats thought that option 1 was the least likely of those three.
By setting up in the formation they did, they would go for the block, but it seems that that they were almost hoping that Tennessee would go for the fake so they had a chance to stop it and get the ball in great field positions.
Also, having Edelman where he was sets them up for a better return if there is a shank. It's like an outfielder playing shallow when there is an important runner on third. If it goes over his head at that point, the game is effectively over, but with the benefit that out of the end zone is a touchback.
Punt block
Titans go for it and don't get it
I think the Pats thought that option 1 was the least likely of those three.
By setting up in the formation they did, they would go for the block, but it seems that that they were almost hoping that Tennessee would go for the fake so they had a chance to stop it and get the ball in great field positions.
Also, having Edelman where he was sets them up for a better return if there is a shank. It's like an outfielder playing shallow when there is an important runner on third. If it goes over his head at that point, the game is effectively over, but with the benefit that out of the end zone is a touchback.
yep, well done...
Two. Patriots and Redskins.
2) sucker the punter into kicking too far, or too short
The low-roller punt was perfect, but it probably made the kicker a little more vulnerable to a block because the ball left his foot on a lower angle than usual.