04/25/24
January 23, 2012
Giants, Patriots in Super Rematch: The New England Patriots and New York Giants booked a rematch of Super Bowl 0x2A on Sunday. Lawrence Tynes kicked a 31-yard overtime field goal to give the Giants a 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC, while the Patriots won 23-20 over the Baltimore Ravens when kicker Billy Cundiff missed on a 32-yard field goal attempt with 11 seconds remaining in the AFC.
They went for it on 4th and 6. Why?
If your field goal kicker can't make easy field goals at the end of the game, then maybe you don't deserve to win.
posted by bperk at 06:53 PM on January 22, 2012
Wasn't that a 51-yard field goal?
posted by bender at 08:06 PM on January 22, 2012
good day for football so far. Close games.
posted by insomnyuk at 10:16 PM on January 22, 2012
Kyle Williams should have a Giants uniform on.
posted by dyams at 10:28 PM on January 22, 2012
Really hurts the 49ers not to have Ted Ginn Jr. today. Ridiculous.
posted by insomnyuk at 10:32 PM on January 22, 2012
I thought in the playoffs in overtime if you only made a field goal the other team got a chance to kick a field goal? WTF?
posted by insomnyuk at 10:36 PM on January 22, 2012
Once each time has a possession, it's sudden death (unless the 1st team w possession scores a TD then it's game over - guessing they do away w that silly clause in the off-season after Denver managed to take advantage of it)
posted by kokaku at 10:38 PM on January 22, 2012
Once each time has a possession, it's sudden death (unless the 1st team w possession scores a TD then it's game over - guessing they do away w that silly clause in the off-season after Denver managed to take advantage of it)
posted by kokaku at 10:38 PM on January 22, 2012
Thanks for clearing that up.
posted by insomnyuk at 10:39 PM on January 22, 2012
#1 Son (and only kid) managed to score 2 seats for Pats-Ravens in the season ticket resale site. He got home about 2 hours after the game end, and he still can't speak. Yours truly had a shot to go with him, but had flower delivery to shut-ins this AM (too late to get a substitute), with the parish annual meeting following. It was an incredible game, and how Pats can win with Brady throwing 2 picks and 0 TDs is beyond me. Let's just say their running game and defense have come to life.
As I started typing this, the Giants kicked the winning FG, so we'll have a repeat of SB XLII. The 2 games were very much alike in that turnovers played such a big role, and one play that is usually made wasn't made. Now it's 2 weeks of trying to tune out the hype.
posted by Howard_T at 10:47 PM on January 22, 2012
For the life of me, I don't understand why teams insist on fielding punts in close/late games, or in games with bad weather.
Unless you have a LOT of room to field it (like, 10 yards or more), and you can catch it while standing still (not running to get under it at the last minute), just let it bounce (and get the fuck out of there).
The positive value in returning a high punt is almost negligible, but the negative value in fucking it up is much too high.
Is the 5-10 yards return really worth it? It's pretty rare that it works out well.
Also, the next time a punt returner is within 10 yards of a ball that hits the ground, he should be cut from the roster immediately.
posted by grum@work at 10:55 PM on January 22, 2012
Wow. Harblown.
posted by LionIndex at 11:15 PM on January 22, 2012
yeah, getting hit by a punt that you let bounce in front of you should be cause for being cut. No excuse for it.
Manning earned his pay today, poor guy got beat up.
BTW, had two kids, the man to man coverage sure was nice, can't imagine more than two. They're free agents at this point...well at least to the point that they're away at college, I still am on the hook for the paychecks. Kind of like the old Rangers- ARod deal.
posted by dviking at 11:17 PM on January 22, 2012
As to the Ravens, was it just me, or did they mismanage their last two offensive drives?
While a kicker ought to be able to set up quickly, they had a time out left, why not call it and get settled?
posted by dviking at 11:19 PM on January 22, 2012
I am revoking my vote for Harbaugh for coach of the year. 49ers averaged 5.4 yards per rush and were pounding the Giant defence in the 3rd quarter. For some reason the rest of the game every 1st down was a passing play. Worse yet, the last 4 49er possesions ran the same passing play on 1st down - sprint right and throw the ball away on the covered out.
If SF doesn't field punts at all they are headed for a matchup with the Patriots.
That is the best pass defense I've ever seen. First Brees and then Eli, and the Niners D won both matchups. Too bad they won't get at chance at Brady for the trifecta.
posted by cixelsyd at 11:28 PM on January 22, 2012
It's pretty amazing the 49ers made it to overtime after going 0-for-13 on third downs.
I didn't understand why Cundiff was running in late on the final field goal. When I saw that I thought it was a bad sign. The Ravens never should've signed the "I see dead people" kid.
posted by rcade at 12:16 AM on January 23, 2012
Manning earned his pay today, poor guy got beat up.
Yes.
In my eyes he still looks like a high school player, with his bobble-head on top of the stick-figure body. I can't figure out how he takes that kind of punishment and keeps going.
There was one play in the 4th quarter where he BARELY got the ball off, and then three 49ers fell on top of him. I thought he was going to look like Mr. Bill after being run over by a steamroller, but he popped back up, adjusted his helmet and shoulder pads, and walked back to the huddle.
The kid's tough, calm, and quiet. It's really hard not to cheer for him.
In his last Super Bowl appearance, I was hoping the Patriots would win to secure the perfect season. This time, I'm pulling for Eli.
posted by grum@work at 01:52 AM on January 23, 2012
I don't understand why Williams was anywhere near that punt. To say that was a ultra-dumb move on Harbaugh's and williams part is understating it.
posted by roberts at 07:15 AM on January 23, 2012
I didn't understand why Cundiff was running in late on the final field goal. When I saw that I thought it was a bad sign.
I was already thinking about OT. It was a 32-yarder. After he missed it, I remember all the shit that Oakland got for drafting Janikowski in the first round. Maybe it is worth it.
posted by bperk at 08:18 AM on January 23, 2012
Watching Twitter and Facebook last night while the Ravens/Patriots was on and saw a lot of "kickers!" and "Stupid kicker!" and "I could have made that!"
What I didn't see was "Lee Evans dropped that easy ball and the Ravens would have won if he had caught that damn thing!"
I dislike the amount of hate that is always pointed at kickers. People think because so many of them make the high percentage kicks it must be very easy to do so. It's not. They make them because they are also professional football players and excel at what they do. It's just that they are rarely noticed until they make a mistake like Cundiff did.
Cundiff will lose his job more than likely. I bet Lee Evans will not.
posted by scully at 08:46 AM on January 23, 2012
As for the Giants win. I missed the OT, but over the last few weeks I have gained a new respect for Eli Manning. He has done a great job. But big props to his offensive line which is giving him a lot of time in the pocket.
posted by scully at 08:51 AM on January 23, 2012
Thoughts on Baltimore not going for it on 4th and 1 on the NE 3 early in the game when they were down 3-0?
I think they should've gone for it. If you're playing one of the best O's in the league and you're unlikely to keep up (though they did as we saw), so try for TDs when you're that close. Worst case, NE is on their own 3 and your super D should get you the ball back with great field position (or even the possibility of a safety). Those 4 points were the difference in the game (though of course the game changes tone if it remains 3-0 or becomes 7-3).
posted by kokaku at 09:02 AM on January 23, 2012
Lee Evans didn't drop the ball. It was knocked out of his hands right before his second foot would have made the catch a touchdown.
posted by rcade at 09:11 AM on January 23, 2012
Nate Silver of 538 tweeted this: "Dumb for Ravens to go for FG there. Going for it would have increased their win probability by 4%."
He included a link to this 4th down calculator too.
posted by scully at 09:12 AM on January 23, 2012
I dislike the amount of hate that is always pointed at kickers.
I think there are many different reasons for it. First, the kicker has only one job to do while the other players are involved in many other parts of the game. To determine whether Lee Evans was a net positive or negative to this game, you would have to evaluate many different plays. Also, sometimes, it is just the defense making an outstanding play not the receiver botching it. The kicker would be forgiven if it was blocked or something. Finally, it is the last-play-that-matters effect. The play that ends the game always takes on a greater importance than all the plays and points that came before it. There were two more chances to get points on the board after Evans play while Cundiff's bad play ended the game.
posted by bperk at 09:15 AM on January 23, 2012
Sure looked to me that he didn't hold on to it more than it was knocked out. He tried to catch it with his belly instead of his hands. It was in the breadbasket and he should have held on to it.
posted by scully at 09:18 AM on January 23, 2012
First, the kicker has only one job to do while the other players are involved in many other parts of the game.
I assume their holder is also their punter, so he is probably forgiven for placing the ball with the laces in instead of out, right? I mean he has another job on the team, so he should be forgiven and all the blame should be on Cundiff.
Personally I think it is an American thing. They don't like anything to do with kicking. They see it as the penny of the American football game. Something that is unnecessary.
Tangentially-related anecdote: When I was in high school back in the stone age I was a soccer player (and a pretty good one) and our football coach kept pestering me to quit that "______ game" and kick for him. I had seen how the rest of the team treated the previous kickers and was uninterested. The other kickers weren't allowed to sit with the other players in the cafeteria, and sat alone on the bench, etc., etc. I think a lot of that attitude is still part of the game.
posted by scully at 09:30 AM on January 23, 2012
Ray Rice is defending his kicker:
And one more thing...games consist of SIXTY MINUTES, NOT 20 seconds so before y'all start bashing MY kicker on this page, let me say this is a TEAM sport, win or lose...so if you want to be negative, keep it to yourself.
posted by bperk at 09:35 AM on January 23, 2012
Good on Ray Rice. I was also glad to see Flacco patting Cundiff on the shoulder after the game too.
posted by scully at 09:40 AM on January 23, 2012
Nate Silver of 538 tweeted this: "Dumb for Ravens to go for FG there. Going for it would have increased their win probability by 4%."
I was relieved they took the points. It was all 3 and out before that point with the Ravens not being able to sustain any drives. Points were going to be hard to come by, your defense is doing a good job, just take the points and tie it up.
posted by bperk at 09:44 AM on January 23, 2012
scully and bperk, keep in mind that some of us are really questioning the coaching, not the kicker.
My question is why didn't they call a time out to let him get set?
As to kickers getting too much blame, the reverse is true as well, Tynes gets mobbed and carried off the field for kicking a pretty easy 31 yarder. Gotta take the bad with the good.
posted by dviking at 09:47 AM on January 23, 2012
It was great. I was sitting with a Dallas Cowboy fan watching the games yesterday and he said" Watch Cundiff shank this one like he always did in Dallas" SHANK.
posted by Debo270 at 10:12 AM on January 23, 2012
I dislike the amount of hate that is always pointed at kickers.
The hate that has always bothered me is the Scott Norwood hate. Which took on a life of its own and became an enduring part of NFL lore.
He missed a 47 yarder. That is not a gimme. Guys like Vinatieri have missed routine kicks from a lot closer in than that.
Norwood gave it his best shot and pushed it wide. He's a goat? Bullshit.
A strike against the Pats will be that the Giants are scheduled to wear their white unis for the SB, so they will be approaching it as another road playoff game that there's no reason they shouldn't win.
If I were Kraft, I would put the Pats in white and make the Giants wear their home unis. Like Cowher's wild card Steelers did when they played the Seahawks.
posted by beaverboard at 10:20 AM on January 23, 2012
Scully, Did you actually watch the Giants-49ers game? Big props to Eli's Offensive line for giving him time to throw? Really? Was it 6 or did it end up being 7 sacks? The last time he was plowed down he jumped up adjusting his helmet because of a chin strap that was around his nose and called timeout. I don't know how many times he was hurried or knocked down along with all the sacks. He had a ball batted out of his hand. His O-line got shoved around all day long. I'd lay money on Eli being pretty black and blue this morning. That was a very KC Chiefesque performance by his line yesterday. Extremely lucky to come out with the W.
posted by fyredawgb at 10:25 AM on January 23, 2012
Slate has a short piece on the Lee Evans non-catch. Replays showed his second foot touched the ground before the ball was knocked out, which raises the question of how much time the foot has to be planted before it's a touchdown.
posted by rcade at 10:28 AM on January 23, 2012
Lee Evans didn't drop the ball. It was knocked out of his hands right before his second foot would have made the catch a touchdown.
I guess I don't have to call it a drop but Lee Evans should have caught that ball. After the game he said he let the team down and I have to agree.
placing the ball with the laces in instead of out, right?
I've seen this in a couple places but I don't understand. When you say laces 'out' don't you want them forward? I thought the laces were just slightly pointed toward the holder which isn't ideal but it's certainly not going to make you miss a 32 yarder by as much as Cundiff missed that kick.
Is Alex Smith always this bad at throwing the football or was he bothered by the conditions? After seeing a couple read options I thought this looked an awful lot like a Tebow quartebacked game. Except they passed on first down, so definitely different. (apologies for Tebowing the thread)
What a weird day of football. Both of these games are going to be defined by the failures of a couple people and that leaves me unsatisfied. I'd rather see a team win the game by doing something amazing rather than have the game won when the other team fucks up something easy.
posted by tron7 at 10:35 AM on January 23, 2012
@Debo270.....exactly why he was shuffled out of Dallas. He is a lifetime 76% kicker. Missed 2 critical kicks against Carolina that cost him his job in the Big D. He has been with 9 NFL teams since 2002 and 5 of those were as off season acquisitions to compete against incumbant kickers or on their practice squads. 3 out of 4 doesn't sound all that bad does it? Take that times 10.......30 out of 40...averaging 10 missed FG's a season...bound to cost you some wins and it bit the Ravens yesterday.
posted by fyredawgb at 10:39 AM on January 23, 2012
The snap for Cundiff's miss wasn't spectacular but his holder did a good enough job to get it down and not have him kicking the laces. He should have adapted and overcome the bobble but he just flat got over the top of it and pull hooked it just like a bad golf shot.
posted by fyredawgb at 10:43 AM on January 23, 2012
I guess I don't have to call it a drop but Lee Evans should have caught that ball.
Looking at the replay, I think you're being too hard on Evans. It was a great play by Sterling Moore.
How great was Devin Thomas on special teams in the Giants/49ers game? That first Kyle Williams grazed-knee fumble could easily have been ignored by all the players and resulted in 49ers ball.
posted by rcade at 10:46 AM on January 23, 2012
Personally I think it is an American thing. They don't like anything to do with kicking. They see it as the penny of the American football game. Something that is unnecessary.
Well, football is an American thing so I guess any views on the rules would probably be American. That said, this American doesn't like anything to do with kicking (love soccer, btw). Even if it's responsible for the sport's name, kicking really doesn't even seem like the same game as football. If we were just re-making the rules of football today I don't see a reason why we'd include kicking at all. Kickoffs seemed like the kicking event that most resembles the rest of the game of football but now that we've nerfed those we might as well just get rid of kicking altogether.
posted by tron7 at 10:52 AM on January 23, 2012
He has been with 9 NFL teams since 2002 ...
He's played for four -- Dallas, Baltimore, Cleveland and New Orleans -- and was a Pro Bowler in 2010.
posted by rcade at 10:53 AM on January 23, 2012
... we might as well just get rid of kicking altogether.
It wouldn't be the same sport without field goals and PATs. Some of the most dramatic moments in the sport have come down to a last-second kick. I'm glad the game includes them and punters, regardless of how much disdain they get when one of them fubars.
posted by rcade at 10:55 AM on January 23, 2012
Some of the most dramatic moments in the sport have come down to a last-second kick.
I know, it's terribly unsatisfying. Last second touchdown > last second field goal.
posted by tron7 at 11:01 AM on January 23, 2012
It was a great play by Sterling Moore.
Couldn't agree more. After that play, my thought was that that guy [who I never heard of] just made a season-saving play. Then he broke up the pass on the next play as well. I'm no Pats fan, but good on him!
posted by bender at 11:06 AM on January 23, 2012
Replays showed his second foot touched the ground before the ball was knocked out, which raises the question of how much time the foot has to be planted before it's a touchdown.
I can't watch the replay from work, but I think the ruling was correct (when I was DVR'ing that part and the slow-mo they showed). Before his foot comes down, the ball is starting to move from his grasp (as a result of the defender's contact). When his foot touches the ground, he is in the process of "losing" the ball, and the proceeds to lose it completely .5 seconds later.
posted by grum@work at 11:15 AM on January 23, 2012
That first Kyle Williams grazed-knee fumble could easily have been ignored by all the players and resulted in 49ers ball.
My thought process for that play was that if the ball even comes within a foot of the punt returner, you play/act like he touched it.
If he did touch it, great, you've got the ball. If he didn't touch it, maybe you can influence the referee in that split second into thinking he touched it.
There is no down side to jumping on every bouncing ball during any live play in football (as a defender). Muffed punt return, dropped pass, after a tackle (even if it's obvious to you that the ground caused the fumble)...just pick up the ball and start running. Wait for the cacophony of whistles to stop you.
posted by grum@work at 11:20 AM on January 23, 2012
Its the Calvin Johnson rule. you have to maintain possesion throughout the entire catch.
posted by Debo270 at 11:44 AM on January 23, 2012
The rule: "If a player controls the ball while in the end zone, both feet, or any part of his body other than his hands, must be completely on the ground before losing control, or the pass is incomplete."
For some reason I don't understand, the Calvin Johnson rule does not apply, claims PFT.
posted by rcade at 11:54 AM on January 23, 2012
The Baltimore Ravens official Twitter account retweeted this message from player Brendon Ayanbadejo: "Truth being told I am not sure I'm going to watch the unSuper Bowl since the two best teams are sitting at home #ravens #49ers."
Really, Baltimore?
posted by rcade at 11:59 AM on January 23, 2012
Cundiff's miss was only the second worst thing in that game, far distant behind Steven Tyler's rendition of the national anthem.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 12:06 PM on January 23, 2012
I completely disagree, Mr B. I thought it was a wonderful gesture.
posted by yerfatma at 12:12 PM on January 23, 2012
I liked the anthem for the NFC game. She was smiling throughout like she way really enjoying herself. I can't recall anyone ever looking like they were having fun singing the anthem before.
posted by bperk at 12:21 PM on January 23, 2012
" Truth being told I am not sure I'm going to watch the unSuper Bowl since the two best teams are sitting at home #ravens #49ers."
It was sweet of Baltimore to give a shout out to Green Bay and Pittsburgh like that, but of course the even the best teams have to win games to get to the Superbowl.
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:24 PM on January 23, 2012
Why is it that Evans didn't have to "make a football move"? Or why is it that Calvin Johnson did? What differentiates catches in the end zone where you do or don't? I don't get it.
posted by fabulon7 at 12:43 PM on January 23, 2012
" Truth being told I am not sure I'm going to watch the unSuper Bowl since the two best teams are sitting at home #ravens #49ers."
I hate it when teams/players I despise do something that causes me internal turmoil ... thank you, Baltimore, for not being that kind of team.
posted by littleLebowski at 12:51 PM on January 23, 2012
I've been asking that same question for two years now.
Also, although they occurred at different levels, I had a hard time figuring out how Virginia Tech's amazing catch that wasn't in overtime in the Sugar Bowl was any different than Rob Gronkowski's diving touchdown catch against the Broncos last week. They looked mighty similar to me.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 12:52 PM on January 23, 2012
It was great. I was sitting with a Dallas Cowboy fan watching the games yesterday and he said" Watch Cundiff shank this one like he always did in Dallas" SHANK.
I was also thinking, "Damn, I'm glad Coach Belichick didn't pull a Jason Garrett"
posted by jmd82 at 01:27 PM on January 23, 2012
Defense Offense Special teams win championships.
posted by justgary at 01:35 PM on January 23, 2012
I know alot of coaches that preach that special teams is 1/3 of the game. Cant argue that after this weekend.
posted by Debo270 at 02:21 PM on January 23, 2012
posted by yerfatma at 03:06 PM on January 23, 2012
apologies for Tebowing the thread
Eli did finish with 316 yards last night.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 03:16 PM on January 23, 2012
I'm sure it's out there, but my favourite moment of the weekend was watching the NY kicker rip of his helmet and run towards midfield, all while clearing mouthing (I think) "For the fucking Super Bowl!"
posted by grum@work at 04:43 PM on January 23, 2012
I coulda sworn that was the punter, who was doing the hold on the kick. Although that doesn't necessarily disqualify your statement, since yes, he is a kicker. I might have gotten the numbers mixed up though.
posted by LionIndex at 04:55 PM on January 23, 2012
grum, I lip read that to be "I'm going to the fucking Super Bowl"....it was Weatherford the punter.
Weatherford has never been to the SB, Tynes has.
posted by dviking at 05:14 PM on January 23, 2012
Report: Cundiff distracted before kick:
"According to TMZ.com, two Ravens players said that Cundiff was being yelled at by coaches immediately prior to missing the 32-yard kick that essentially ended Baltimore's season."
posted by yerfatma at 05:39 PM on January 23, 2012
I can honestly say I've never been "thrilled" by a last second field goal. I've been happy for a win when my team comes out on top by a field goal, but a kicker winning a tough, hard-fought game like the Niners/Giants, will always be ridiculous in my mind.
Best Super Bowl moment ever is the Rams/Titans when Kevin Dyson was stopped by a great tackle inches from the goal line on the final play of the game. That's an exciting finish to a football game, one that mirrors the way we think of football being played.
posted by dyams at 06:18 PM on January 23, 2012
I can honestly say I've never been "thrilled" by a last second field goal. I've been happy for a win when my team comes out on top by a field goal, but a kicker winning a tough, hard-fought game like the Niners/Giants, will always be ridiculous in my mind.
Eh, I screamed at the top of my lungs HOLY SHITTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When Cundiff missed the field goal. Completely unexpected; a total WTF moment. That is what I love.
posted by jmd82 at 07:13 PM on January 23, 2012
grum, I lip read that to be "I'm going to the fucking Super Bowl".
I believe it's Mother Fucking Super Bowl.
posted by goddam at 07:28 PM on January 23, 2012
I liked the anthem for the NFC game. She was smiling throughout like she way really enjoying herself.
That's the always ebullient Broadway giant Kristen Chenoweth.
posted by rcade at 07:30 PM on January 23, 2012
Speaking of which, did anyone notice the San Fran crowd booing at certain times and cheering at others during the anthem? It seemed to me like they were seeing on a screen what the TV audience was seeing, and they responded to 49ers and Giants accordingly.
Whatever they were doing, it's a crappy thing to do during the anthem.
posted by rcade at 07:47 PM on January 23, 2012
yes, I may have been wrong, but I didn't replay it multiple times. can you add a second to the start of that tape?
rcade, I wondered about the cheering/booing during the anthem as well, very poor taste.
Field goals are part of the game, if you don't want to lose on a last second field goal, stop the other team further away from your goal line, or block the kick. The kick that missed, and the kick that won, yesterday were both exciting plays.
posted by dviking at 08:29 PM on January 23, 2012
"According to TMZ.com, two Ravens players said that Cundiff was being yelled at by coaches immediately prior to missing the 32-yard kick that essentially ended Baltimore's season."
Yes, Cundiff pooched the kick, but some of the blame should fall upon the Ravens coaching staff.Seems *they* were distracted after those last two plays fell apart and were not looking far enough ahead. Whatever the case may be, the kick was rushed and a time-out should have been called.
There have also been reports here on Boston sports radio that Belichick observed the confusion and the rush to get the kick off and let it happen rather than calling a time-out (in an attempt to "ice" the kicker). If so, then those coaching decisions count for something.
posted by jeremias at 09:09 PM on January 23, 2012
Best Super Bowl moment ever is the Rams/Titans when Kevin Dyson was stopped by a great tackle inches from the goal line on the final play of the game.
I tend to agree about that play, but is it really so different from a team down by 2 making a miraculous drive to set up a field goal and then missing it? I think it's just perception: missing a kick seems like random chance interfering with sport while coming up a foot short on a pass "confirms" our beliefs about "[Team X] just wanted it more".
posted by yerfatma at 09:10 PM on January 23, 2012
Yes, Cundiff pooched the kick, but some of the blame should fall upon the Ravens coaching staff.Seems *they* were distracted after those last two plays fell apart and were not looking far enough ahead.
Yeah, and why? It makes no sense to me. Of course when they had the downs and the time on the clock, they went for the touchdown, but why were they (apparently) taken by surprise and flustered when they ended up in a field goal situation? Makes no sense.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:30 PM on January 23, 2012
Yeah, and why? It makes no sense to me. Of course when they had the downs and the time on the clock, they went for the touchdown, but why were they (apparently) taken by surprise and flustered when they ended up in a field goal situation? Makes no sense.
This Slate article attempts to break it all down, blame the scoreboard!
posted by jeremias at 10:47 PM on January 23, 2012
I tend to agree about that play, but is it really so different from a team down by 2 making a miraculous drive to set up a field goal and then missing it?
Field goals just aren't an inherently exciting play. If you've seen one you've pretty much seen them all and they are only really news if they are missed. They can be exciting if the situation is right but by themselves they are only slightly more interesting than the commercial breaks. They are the free throw of football plays.
posted by tron7 at 11:46 PM on January 23, 2012
Field goals just aren't an inherently exciting play. If you've seen one you've pretty much seen them all
Sometimes, you see a kicker who is in the zone and just cranking it up, and that's exciting, at least to me. Garrett Hartley was totally stroking it in the Saints' SB win. I personally loved the calm bravado and energy he projected as I watched his kicks. Just went out there and nailed them.
I think Tynes' kick at subzero Lambeau to put the Giants in the Super Bowl was heroic. I thought the ball was going to shatter when he struck it.
Also, a super long FG to open the scoring or at a key moment such as right before halftime can be a real tone setter and statement maker. I've seen a few of those over the years. Carlos Huerta hit some memorable long distance bombs in his career at the U. of Miami.
posted by beaverboard at 01:11 AM on January 24, 2012
They are the free throw of football plays.
Except, they usually don't expect the player to attempt a free throw from the opposite free throw line to turn a loss into a win.
posted by grum@work at 01:20 AM on January 24, 2012
If you've seen one you've pretty much seen them all and they are only really news if they are missed.
A great field goal kicker completely changes the way a game is coached.
posted by rcade at 08:44 AM on January 24, 2012
Field goals just aren't an inherently exciting play. If you've seen one you've pretty much seen them all
Janikowski's record tying field goal earlier this year was quite exciting. When he came on to attempt a 65 yard field goal to win the game against the Lions I was convinced it was going to go in. Still think it would have, had it not been blocked.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 10:02 AM on January 24, 2012
What kind of dirt does the field goal have on you people? I really did not expect to come in here and find people waxing poetic for a play that looks the same every time you see it. Sometimes the ball travels farther than other times and then I really lose my shit.
Fine, have it your way. Just know that in my alternate reality football is being played without kickers and it. is. awesome.
posted by tron7 at 10:32 AM on January 24, 2012
What kind of dirt does the field goal have on you people?
I dunno, when did the field goal piss in your cheerios?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:17 AM on January 24, 2012
I'm glad the game includes them and punters, regardless of how much disdain they get when one of them fubars.
I may keep waiting for the Aussie rules torpedo punt to get established in the NFL, but I think it's on its way, and will make life very interesting.
I really did not expect to come in here and find people waxing poetic for a play that looks the same every time you see it.
For tron7, of course, that's on TV, where those yards are itty-bitty.
rcade's right: the capabilities of a team's FG kicker cascade through every play of pretty much every drive.
posted by etagloh at 11:20 AM on January 24, 2012
For those like me who didn't know, torpedo punt.
posted by yerfatma at 11:42 AM on January 24, 2012
I may keep waiting for the Aussie rules torpedo punt to get established in the NFL, but I think it's on its way, and will make life very interesting.
LSU has an Aussie punter, Brad Wing, who uses a variety of Aussie rules-style techniques in his punting (his base punt is a more end-over-end punt based on a "drop kick," which gives him an uncanny ability to drop the ball where he wants it and to stop it there); not sure if he has ever used a torpedo punt in a game but I would have to think that it is in his repertoire. He also kicks with both feet and went the entire Spring game last year kicking with his right foot, although all of his in-game punts have been left-footed (though seems like the both feet thing might come in handy at some point if there was a situation in which pressure or a bad snap or something pushed him to his right). Based on the fact that he was an All-American this year as a redshirt freshman, have to think there is a pretty good chance that he makes it to the NFL if that is what he wants to do.
posted by holden at 12:08 PM on January 24, 2012
I dunno, when did the field goal piss in your cheerios?
Did that not sound jocular?
posted by tron7 at 12:12 PM on January 24, 2012
The Chargers used to have an ex-Aussie rules punter on their team in the mid to late-90s, Darren Bennett, who was good enough that he made the all-decade team for the 90s despite only playing for a few years. What was even more awesome about him was that, as a former Aussie rules player, he was pretty formidable in covering the punt return as well - I remember one game where the returner beat everybody but Bennett, and was thinking he had an easy path to a touchdown, but Bennett completely lit him up.
The Eagles had Sav Rocca as well, so there's a decent bit of Aussie players coming to the NFL.
posted by LionIndex at 12:43 PM on January 24, 2012
OH YES YES YES TORPEDO PUNTS IN THE NFL PLEASE
Though I don't think its possible with our standard American football.
posted by Joey Michaels at 09:16 PM on January 24, 2012
No idea what to think except the Ravens probably deserved the win.