I didn't like the pass play. Specifically I didn't like it on 2nd down, one of the lamer trends in the NFL today is to pass on 2nd and goal after failing to convert with the run on 1st and goal, it's so telegraphed and transparent most defenses now seem to expect it, you can almost see the coach saying "well the run didn't work let's pass", and you can see the opposing defenses think "well we stuffed the run, bet they try to pass". And the fact that Burress was double covered showed the Pats D was expecting the pass. And for a run oriented team like the Steelers to abondon the pass in that predictable a way is even worse. If a team is going to pass in X and goal it should be on 1st down when nobody expects it or 3rd down after having run on 1st and 2nd and demonstrated a commitment to the run. The only good thing I can say about that 2nd down pass is that it wasn't play action, which it frequently is when teams run on 1st and pass on 2nd, at least Cowher didn't try to pretend he wasn't abandoning the run on a play when everybody on the other team knew he was going to abandon the run.
I hear you on that. I wasn't crazy about the call, but I'm not going to "complain" about it either. But, I will never forgive, and I was posting this same sentiment on threads the morning after the game, I will never forgive kicking that field goal on 4th down. It killed nearly any chance to win that game, imo.
But your comments on strategy, I hear you.
I must tell you, I've read dozens of your posts, and you are one even-minded, well-thinking guy.
How about that election in Iraq, btw. Ted Kennedy is throwing up in the sink watching the news today.
;-)
LOL -- I missed that gem the first time. ;-)
I thought Staley off tackle would have been a better choice down there instead of going to Bettis.