I was watching the Eagles-Vikings game and witnessed the Eagles run a semi East-West off tackle on a 3rd and five. It was easily deciphered and stop by the D for no gain. The Eagles then went on to miss a mid-range field goal. It got me thinking about the Iowa game, as well as many other games over the years where there were a number of missed TD opportunities and because of questionable 3rd down play calling when within field goal range. To me, a field goal should not be considered an acceptable outcome when a 3rd down call and conversion is needed. IMO, the "take the points" mantra has seeped into 3rd down decision-making. In summary, don't go conservative or go for broke on 3rd down just because a field goal becomes an acceptable back up plan. Games are lost that way.
It's like those short third down passes that never had a chance to make it to the first down marker. Why do they ever occur?
It's like those short third down passes that never had a chance to make it to the first down marker. Why do they ever occur?