[rlmorel]

I watched the game, and did not fault them for going for it instead of kicking the field goal. And I wasn’t rooting for them to win.

It is a chance. If you take that chance and succeed, you are glorified.

If you take that chance and lose, you will be second guessed or even fired.

I personally did not think it was a bad chance to take. But that is just how my personality is. Other people would not take that chance.

[awelliott]

Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy, with the possible exception of Lane Kiffin. LoL

[dfwgator]

I am more upset at them not trying to go all out and block the punt late in the game, they wanted to set up a return and the punt went out of bounds anyway, and it wasn’t a long punt anyway in those conditions.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

I accept the analytics, but Payton gave away his rationale when he said, “I wanted it to be 14-0.” It was an emotional decision. Even if they make it on fourth down, they still had a way to go. I think going for it was the right decision, for the wrong reason, that came up short. Especially given the QB situation and snow expected in the second half.

I can’t help feeling a little bit sorry for Denver and its fans.

[Fledermaus]

Take the points!

[rollo tomasi]

Analytic nerds lead to losing, just ask Dan Campbell with all the talent he has.

Did the variables in the equation include a blizzard projected in the second half, a journeyman QB who hasn't started a game since who knows when, and a tough New England defense with a short field to defend? You can make the case that even if the Broncos did manage to get a first down, their struggling red zone offense could of been greater liability with a penchant for turnovers. That is how New England set up to score on their only TD was it not?. Kick the field goal and go up by 2 scores, statistical analytics doesn't not delve in psychology after all.

[hollywood12345]

you kick the field goal 100%

[srmanuel]

Both games Sunday were similar, Peyton went for it and lost, instead of being up 10-0, they ended up 7-0 and the game ended 10-7, at the very least the game would have gone into overtime.

In a low scoring game with a backup QB that hasn’t played meaningful football in well over a year, you take the points.

In the late game the Rams were down 31-27 with 5 minutes to go in the game and 3 time outs, the Rams had the ball in easy FG territory, elected to for it on 4th down, didn’t make it and end up losing 31-27 while being inside the 20 yard line throwing on 4th down to win the game at the end, kick the FG earlier and a FG late instead of throwing into the endzone and you win the game and play in the Super Bowl.

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost earlier in the playoffs to Buffalo when their coach went for it while in easy FG territory, didn’t make it and ultimately cost his team the game.

IMO, coaches are going for it far too often instead of taking the points, especially in the playoffs when the teams are equally matched and every point counts.