Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny Camaro
You can say Kyle Shannahan 'lost' the game for the Falcons, but he didn't. He didn't let Tom Brady score 31 straight points. The players did. The play's he called were not 'bad' plays, they were plays that were not executed by the players. Players play the game. Players win and lose the game. Blaming a coach is just an excuse people use to make themself feel better.
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It's not an excuse, it's a mathematical fact. After the Falcons went up 25 points, the clock becomes their friend.
They were a 99% favorite to win at this point Running as much time off the clock as possible when you posses the football is always the proper game plan. 40 seconds are run off the clock every time the previous play ends. If your offense keeps the clock rolling,
Matt Ryan had four incompletions during the second half. This is 2 minutes and 40 seconds more time for NE.
The fumble was also created on a 3rd and 1 yard that Atlanta had. If they run the ball there, even if they don't make it, there is another 40 seconds.
New England wouldn't have had the last possession to tie the game.
You have to manage the clock when you have a 25 point lead midway through the 3rd quarter of a football game.
You accomplish this by running the football, and burning off as many seconds as possible.
The Falcons failed to do this by passing the ball instead.
When they were on the NE 22 with 4:40 left in the game, there was absolutely no reason to pass the football. You run the ball 3 times, kick a field goal, game over.
Shanahan did this same thing in Washington. He doesn't know how to manage a football game.
Yes you dance with the girl who brought you, but when she has you as a 99% favorite, her job is done.