MageGuy08 wrote:
I mean, it's an unwritten rule that you don't pass within the 5 yard line. Running is much more effective there, since all it takes is a couple of steps forward to score. Still not sure why the pass was the called play, and I can't blame the reactions at all.
I disagree.
I'll admit, initially I was very upset with the play call. But time grants perspective. The play call itself wasn't a bad call. Pass plays aren't a rarity even that close to the goal line. During the entire regular season and the playoffs too I believe, there were 66 pass plays inside the 5 yard line or something that all resulted in touchdowns. This was the only time during the season it got intercepted. Granted, it was in the most important game at the most important moment and running a slant play like that is a bit more risky than say throwing to the corner. The biggest problem was in the execution. They just didn't run the play right.
And I have to admit, Malcom Butler made a great defensive play. He caught a bullet pass, took a bump, and held onto the ball. That pass could have easily been caught for a touchdown and everyone would be talking about how the Seahawks are the best team right now.
Running the ball isn't a guarantee always to score either. You can pack all your defense on the line and hold the runner inches from scoring. It's not an easy thing to run the ball in full on.
If it was me, I would have taken my chances running it. But eh. Hindsight is 20/20. And you can only learn and go forward from here. The Seahawks are a great team and the fact they lost doesn't diminish the fact it was a great game and could have gone either way.