[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Originally Posted by 3 SS's

Curious, would there have been any injury timeouts...and where would the clock have been at that point, also, when would the Pats have started using their's ?
Would the Pats have run more of a hurry up ? if so, how fast and how much time would they have saved ??

I'm going to make this really simple for you. With 17 minutes left in the game ATL has a 25 point lead. They are going to get the ball 5 more times before the conclusion of regualtion.

If they run the ball 15 times, and take 40 seconds off the clock each play, even if they don't get ONE first down, all they need to do is not turn the ball over. ATL had the fewest fumbles by running backs in the league this year. They know how to hold on to the ball. This runs 10 minutes and 40 seconds off the clock. ATL actually only had six minutes and 50 seconds of runoff.

Atlanta only ran 4 running plays during this time frame. They averaged 5 yards per carry during the game. If they run the ball they win 99% of the time.

On the PATS final drive during regulation, they started with 3 minutes and 51 seconds. Had ATL managed the clock, the ball and the game properly, by running the ball, NE gets it back with 1 second.

The PATS played excellent in the fourth quarter, but ATL gave them the opportunity to tie the game by ridiculous play calls and poor clock management.