Bill Belichick’s Fourth Down Call Not Patriots’ Undoing

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for NFLSportChannel.com

Published: November 16, 2009

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... the jaws of victory. They embarrassed themselves in front of a national TV audience against a hated rival, and likely destroyed any chances of getting home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

As the media and fans digest this loss, conversation and analysis will undoubtedly center on one play—Bill Belichick's decision to go for it on fourth and two at the Patriots 28-yard line.

This is sensible. After all, it flies in the face of traditional thought. Indeed, Cris Collinsworth was immediately critical of the move, questioning the call even before the play unfolded.

The strategy's failure, of course, makes it more likely to draw fire.

I don't, however, believe it was that decision that cost them the game.

Consider the situation. The Patriots defense had just been gashed for a long drive in a relatively short period of time (around 1:52 in game time, if I'm not mistaken). The team's linemen had been unable to either pressure Peyton Manning or ...

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