The Steelers could COUNT ON only 2 possessions at that point against a team as good as the Patriots, NOT "at least 2 possessions". That means the Steelers would have to score every time they got the ball (how often does that happen?), and at the same time pray that they could stop the great Patriots. No, the Steelers should have gone for it right then and there. Cowher (and his staff) did the wrong, cowardly, safe-coach thing. It was too safe, chicken-sh*t coaching, and it ensured the loss. Cowher did the same gutless thing most conservative pro coaches do, and he was wrong once again.
It is no surprise that Cowher came up under Marty Schottenheimer years ago -- Schottenheimer, the epitome of that lame type of game day conservative coaching! Look at Schottenheimer's playoff (big game record). Even worse then Cowher's. (By the way, the Steelers were behind by 11 even after the field goal, not "10" as you wrote above.)
I like Bill Cowher as a coach and as a man, I've met him a few times and don't want him to leave Pittsburgh, he's a pretty decent coach, he just does this kind of thing way too often. And it's a slight to all the players who worked so hard.
Bill Cowher did the wrong thing, not the right thing, as you proclaim. I really feel that if you did the numbers on that particular game situation and that particular game, the intelligent (mathematical) and emotional thing to do was to try to jam it in there.
Remember the guy's words from the Post Gazette in post # 1819: "Yes, we all know that Bill doesn't throw or run, but really, to call for a field goal from the 2, when trailing the defending world champions by 14 at the start of the fourth quarter, with the team having its best momentum of the game, was absurd."
Even if the Steelers failed, leaving the Patriots at the 1 or 2, both the crowd and the defense would have still been going crazy, not to mention that the Steelers might actually have scored. Instead, Cowher brilliantly managed to simultaneously take the crowd and the defense out of the game."
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if I remember correctly, you're the genius that told us how Atlanta was going to pound the Eagles -- Save the lame sarcasm for those in your family, they must be used to it by now.
Again you are wrong. I merely thought that Atlanta would beat the spread, not "pound the Eagles". But you see, I'm joining you, I was wrong about the spread. Cost me a few $$$$ too.
Thank God I seldom wager on the Steelers.
Now for me ....... it's 'Go Patriots'! The Patriots are one great team with a brilliant QB, excellent team mates, and a brilliant coach and coaching staff.
To finish with this -- I deplore it when a coach or baseball manager takes the game out of the players' hands. Cowher (or his staff) did that exact thing down on the 2 yard line! No doubt about it. He choked right there and did a disservice to his team.
The Patriots certainly may have still won the game, but Cowher ended the game right there on the 2 yard line with a lame field goal! Gutless!
it was the right thing to do. professional football is not a video game - this is evidenced by how long barry switzer lasted.
enjoy your superbowl rooting against someone for irrational reasons - that's a sure sign of a well-adjusted individual!
You nailed it-- that was a pure Martyball move, kicking that darned field goal.