DISQUS

steve · 1 year ago

Do some frigging research. Its not rocket science. Look how many seconds the average deep kick burns on game play by play charts on nfl.com. To me it looks like 95% burn AT LEAST 6 seconds, and the vast majority burn around 10 seconds. That means that even if the kick is run back to the 50 yard line, THERE IS NO WAY there is enough time left for 2 plays, 1 being a pass play and the 2nd being a field goal. So basically as long as you kick it deep and don't let it be returned for a TD, you will win. Now look at the average time that goes off the clock for squib kicks.... it is MUCH less than for a deep kick with many only taking around 5 seconds or less off the clock. With 11 seconds left all you need to do is burn 7 seconds of clock time and there isnt enough time for a pass play and then a field goal. But instead the 5 second squib kick left just enough time for 2 plays. LOOK AT THE NUMBERS its simple statistics and logic. You dont even need to know anything football to come to this conclusion.

Ryan C. · 1 year ago

Thanks for the counterargument, which has a large amount of merit.

I did mention, though, that they were exclusively looking to avoid the big return -- which, you're right -- is about the only way to lose if they do a normal kickoff. And you're right: it's not rocket science. Lovie Smith isn't dumb; he just probably liked his odds better doing a squib-kick and hoping the defense held for one possession then getting burned on a return. (Remember, all the defensive injuries transferred to the special teams crew, too.)

I'm willing to bet if Gould had kicked it back all the way and the Falcons housed it, people would be ticked the Bears didn't squib-kick. Just the nature of the fandom. (Not saying you specifically, tough.)

And if Marcus Hamilton drops back, it's a non-issue, and the Bears steal a win on the road.

Jason · 1 year ago

I agree that either way you look at it, there's good arguments for both. Bottom line is that the Bears choked. They should be embarrassed for what they let happen. Absolutely ridiculous.

steve · 1 year ago

I do understand that its all fine if they get a better squib kick and if Hamilton doesn't allow the big pass play, but I have seen too many squib kicks routinely returned to near midfield in just a couple of seconds, both by the Bears and against the Bears . I have even seen the Bears recently give up points before halftime with a RIDICULOUSLY small amount of time on the clock the EXACT same way that they lost this game, by squibbing it and basically just handing the opps the ball at midfield and saying lets hope our prevent D will not give up a 20 yard pass play here. And those defensive injuries in the secondary are even more important when they know they will have an upcoming pass play of such huge importance after the squib!!! The Bears seem to have a bend but don't break defense.... good in the red zone but very mediocre up until that, so this squib seems to play right into the opponents hands to me. Everything might be different if the clock has 14 or 15 seconds, but 11 seconds all you have to do is make ONE tackle and play the clock and you can't lose.... Why make your team have to make 2 plays instead of only 1? I'm sure some people would complain if they kicked it deep and it was returned for a TD, but I wouldn't be one of them. I think you HAVE to play the clock and the odds at that point and trust your team to make one tackle.