The Demo Site

There has been an inordinate amount of piling on the Patriots coasch over the last few days since Bill Belichick went for for it on fourth down on his own 28 against the Colts. It is very easy to question this call, and it makes great sports radio and blog fodder. However let's not pile on, but think about why, and talk about how a calculated risk is not such a bad move.

No doubt the Patriots were in control of this game. Also no doubt that the New England Defense was on for the first three quarters. Another no doubt is that this is not even an issue if Maroney doesn't fumble in the Red Zone.

There was no doubt that the Colts made an adjustment. There is also no doubt that Manning can score quickly and efficiently at any time. There was no doubt that the Patriots defense was tired from fighting out the first three quarters.

Most would agree that Tom Brady and the offense could get 2 yards. You and I both would bet on it, over them not making it, any day of the week. The Patriots were going to have to play defense no matter what. A long field with a tired defense could create an easy big play for the Colts and Manning. We all know that the Red Zone shortens the field and makes it more difficult for any offense. No doubt Belichick thought of this and gambled. It's not that he didn't trust his defense, he chose the gamble of putting them on a shorter field and thinking they had to stop the Colts anyway.

Brady passed to Faulk, executed the play, the ball was bobbled, and in the NFL that is enough time to not make the first down. Was it a crazy gamble? For any other team yes, but not Patriots. Belichick felt his best chance to win the game was with his offense. The idea that his defense is upset over the call is silly. The NFL is not high school, it is professional football. His gamble did not work, oh well. Sometimes your gut is what you have to trust. It has gotten Belichick to the top and is a necessary tool for a great coach. I would rather have a coach that takes a chance on what he feels is his best chance to win, than just going with conventional wisdom. That's why most teams are average, they take no chances and have no balls.

There is a ton of season left. No one knows where or how this game will affect the Patriots. No matter who you are, you do not want to play the Patriots in the playoffs at home or on the road.

They will get another chance at the Colts.