The final drive….
This was the hammer that drove the nail in the coffin for the Ravens bid to unseat the New England Patriots on Monday night. One can argue that there were several key plays and penalties that led up to this point and I have mentioned several in a previous post. Ed Reed’s fumble at the NE 28 yard line late in the first half that could have possibly led to a Matt Stover field goal and three more vital points. Kyle Boller’s interception at the NE 1 yard-line early in the 4th quarter, a run might have set up another Matt Stover field goal and three crucial points. Several key penalties called on the Ravens, and several not called on New England may have reshaped the game as well. But in the fourth quarter, with 3:30 left in the game, Tom Brady took his team from the NE 27 to a TD and left the Ravens with the slim hope of a :43 miracle. The New England Patriots challenged the Baltimore defense, and New England won. I want to look at that drive.
1-10-NE 27 (3:30) 12-T.Brady pass incomplete deep left to 18-D.Stallworth (22-S.Rolle).
2-10-NE 27 (3:25) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep middle to 84-B.Watson to NE 50 for 23 yards (28-J.Winborne).
This play gave the Patriots confidence that they needed, not that I think they lacked confidence. But this was one of the longest passing plays of the game for them, the 3rd longest as a matter of fact. But this one came at a crucial moment in the game and took 33% of there field away in one play.
1-10-NE 50 (2:51) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass incomplete short right to 33-K.Faulk.
2-10-NE 50 (2:47) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 33-K.Faulk to BAL 41 for 9 yards (57-B.Scott).
3-1-BAL 41 (2:22) (No Huddle) 12-T.Brady up the middle to BAL 39 for 2 yards (57-B.Scott).
The first 3rd down play of the drive, and New England gets the first down to keep it alive
1-10-BAL 39 (2:01) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass incomplete deep middle to 84-B.Watson (28-J.Winborne).
Two-Minute Warning
2-10-BAL 39 (1:57) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass incomplete short middle to 83-W.Welker [50-A.Barnes].
3-10-BAL 39 (1:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 33-K.Faulk ran ob at BAL 30 for 9 yards.
Third down and the Ravens stop them one yard short of the first down. Punting is not an option here.
4-1-BAL 30
The Patriots hurry up and attempt to run and the Ravens stop them cold in the backfield. Ray Lewis is pumping his fist and the emotion of a big play takes over. But…. Timeout #2 by BAL at 01:48.
Rex Ryan doesn’t like what he sees and calls a timeout just before the snap of the football. Play does not count. At the water coolers around Baltimore today this was a hot topic of conversation. Should Rex Ryan had called that timeout. I see both sides of this one and I will stay neutral on it. On Ryan’s side it it his job to make sure the right defense (play, players, and formation) is on the field for what he thinks the offense is going to do. He didn’t like it, and it is his job to call that time out and he did. In retrospect, it was wrong. On the side of the players, Rex Ryan has to trust that the veterans on the battlefield see what he sees and make the necessary adjustments. He didn’t, they obviously made them, and again in retrospect, it was a bad call. But I will not call it bad coaching. He did what he felt he needed to do. Regardless, the Patriots get to try for the 4th and 1 a second time.
4-1-BAL 30 (1:48) 44-H.Evans up the middle to BAL 31 for -1 yards.
Again the Raven’s defense steps up to the plate and stuffs a Patriot attempt to run that yard. This time there is no celebration because…
PENALTY on NE-71-R.Hochstein False Start, 5 yards, enforced at BAL 30 - No Play.
I have a big rule problem here. No team should be given the opportunity to benefit from a penalty and the Patriots surely did. At a crucial point in the game they were given a third attempt to get a 4th down conversion because THEY committed a penalty. This is a rule change that needs to be made.
4-6-BAL 35 (1:48) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady scrambles up the middle to BAL 23 for 12 yards (52-R.Lewis). PENALTY on BAL-22-S.Rolle, Illegal Contact, 5 yards, enforced at BAL 23.
Something or someone broke-down here. The hole left for Tom Brady to run through was enormous. Maybe they just assumed pass and backed off a little. Regardless Tom Brady can run, he will run, and you have to cover that. Here the defense broke down. But given three opportunities, even the best can mess up. But the Ravens defense still did not quit.
1-10-BAL 18 (1:38) (Shotgun) 33-K.Faulk up the middle to BAL 13 for 5 yards (92-H.Ngata).
2-5-BAL 13 (1:06) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass incomplete short middle to 83-W.Welker (52-R.Lewis).
3-5-BAL 13 (1:00) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass incomplete short left to 83-W.Welker.
Timeout #2 by NE at 00:55.
4-5-BAL 13 (:55) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass incomplete short middle to 84-B.Watson. PENALTY on BAL-28-J.Winborne, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced at BAL 13 - No Play.
For the 3rd time (really 5th) this drive the Patriots were left to convert a 4th down to keep their hopes of an undefeated season alive for one more week. This is where the penalty bug really hurt the Ravens. This penalty did two things, put the Patriots in position where they could either run or pass and gave them 4 plays to do it. For the 3rd time they converted on 4th down, this time via the penalty.
1-8-BAL 8 (:55) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 10-J.Gaffney for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Was it a catch by rule? Honestly I do not know. The rule book states: A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds. To gain possession of a loose ball (3-2-3) that has been caught, intercepted, or recovered, a player must have complete control of the ball and have both feet completely on the ground inbounds or any other part of his body, other than his hands, on the ground inbounds.
If the player loses the ball while simultaneously touching both feet or any other part of his body to the ground or if there is any doubt that the acts were simultaneous, there is no possession. This rule applies in the field of play and in the end zone.
Was there possession inbounds? At the time he had both feet in bounds he was still in the process of tucking the ball. So if you go by the fact the he did tuck it in while stepping out of bounds, then he had control of the ball and it is a possession. But if you simply go by the fact of what was happening at the precise moment he was inbounds, he did not have the firm grip on the ball yet and it is not a possession. But he had control of it, and it would be a possession.
Regardless the review said it was, so it was. TD Patriots.
PENALTY on BAL-57-B.Scott, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. PENALTY on BAL-57-B.Scott, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. PENALTY on BAL-20-E.Reed, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
NE 27 BLT 24 Plays: 13 Possession: 2:46
In one moment of loss of control Bart Scott pretty much sealed the deal with these two penalties. Figurs had some pretty good returns in this game and with the wind that was blowing anything could have happened on the kickoff. The Patriots may have just squibbed it, but maybe they kick it. But instead of kicking it from their own 30, with the penalties they kicked it from the Baltimore 35. I have never ever ever in my 39 years seen a kickoff from the opponents 35 yard line. The Ravens made a good attempt at getting into field goal range, but in the waning moments the game of inches came up 3 yards short. If it would have been a TD, there probably would have been offensive pass interference anyway and the game would have ended.
(All play by play info provided from NFL.com)
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26 Responses to “The final drive….”
December 4th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Mike,
I agree that the 4th down false start should have resulted in a loss of down. The rule does need to be changed, but it seems that every rule change that the leagues rule committee comes up with favors the offense, so I’m not holding my breath waiting for them to amend this situation.
All told it was one Hell of a game, and I think the Ravens vindicated themselves to the national audience after that pathetic showing in Pittsburgh. And speaking of Pittsburgh, I seriously doubt that they can give the Patriots a game like the Ravens did, number 1 defense not withstanding. But, as I said, I’ll be rooting for them none the less. May God forgive me.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:52 am
Their false start gave them a huge benefit. With fourth and short, they were forced to run, which they couldnt do. adding five yards lets them throw, something they excel in. even though there was the penalty, it fell perfectly in the Pats favor
December 5th, 2007 at 3:54 am
You know what Dr. Z… and all MVN fans…
THAT WAS ONE HELL OF A GAME WE PLAYED… I HAVEN’T BEEN THAT IMPRESSED WITH OUR TEAM (AT ALL THIS SEASON)…. WHY AREN’T ANY OF YOU SAYING THAT?
I HAD TO WORK… I DVR’D THIS GAME, PURPOSELY LISTEN TO NO NEWS SO I COULD COME HOME AND ENJOY FROM 3 AM TO 5AM. DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO KEEP QUIET WATCHING A GAME LIKE THAT BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS SLEEPING?
I could not believe my eyes. Here is the team I have loved since their birth. I was so freakin happy that they ‘all’ still had it in them. Until the fourth quarter of 24 to 20, I truly believed that we were going to win that game. Against the Patriots! This year! We played that game like it was the Superbowl, and if it had been the Superbowl… I would have been doubly proud! Loss and all! Each and every player that ‘we’ have all been complaining about, showed up for this game with game faces and talent. I am as equally disappointed over the loss… but can I be the only with this much pride in the Ravens after the fact, after the loss, can I?
I love ya Dr. Z, truly, I am your biggest fan… but c’mon, please write another article on how proud you are… You are aren’t you?
Raven Addict for Life!
Laura
December 5th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Hey Mike don’t forget the also pathetic showing on the first Moday of the season against the Bengals.
Laura, I thought you moved to Pittsburgh or something haven’t seen you in awhile…j/k. I hope all is well. You must have missed what I wrote after the game on Monday night/Tuesday morning. I actually started writing that at halftime while the game was in progress. Knowing that you can see from the tone it begins with, I honestly thought the Ravens were going to win this one the way they just dominated the Patriots for 50 minutes. In case you missed it and it wasn’t clear in it, Monday night was the best the team played ALL season.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Laura, this game was the Ravens’ “BraveHeart” moment, a defining statement of hope for the future of this franchise, and a brilliant showcase for the nation proving why it’s good to be a Ravens fan in Baltimore.
December 5th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
First let me say i’m a ny giant fan and not a ne pats fan . it really bugs me how every one cries after lossing to the pats ! they cheat ( like no one has done what they did - give me a break ) they get all the breaks , they get all the calls .I i bet all the pat fans love hearing you guys cry . that said , i take my hat off to the ravens , they played a hell of a game .
December 5th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I am trying to figure out who is crying. There is no crying in football, unless of course you are Phil Simms. Now that guy used to cry all of the time. It kills me when someone comes in, reads what they want into one post and has no clue what they say. The Ravens played one heck of a game, but they lost one heck of a game by themselves. Too many mistakes at the wrong times, both players and coaches. Did I make a comment about penalties not called on New England, heck yeah. But that is fact. Did that lose the game? No. No crying here, you must confuse Ravens fans with soemone else.
December 6th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Forgive the ignorance of an Englishman, who occasionally watches this sport, but doesn’t have a complete understanding of the rules, but I’ve a question.
The penalty decision against New England. Could it not have been declined by Baltimore? I often hear the referee saying that a penalty has been declined. Surely if Baltimore could have declined that penalty, the play by New England would’ve stood and possession passed to Baltimore?
December 6th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Andrew, your logic is sound, but the NFL rule on an “illegal procedure” or “offsides” infraction by the OFFENSIVE side of the ball is an automatic 5-yard penalty which cannot be declined by the DEFENSIVE side of the ball. Hence, any play action that followed such a penalty is deemed to have NEVER HAPPENED! Seems unfair to the DEFENSIVE side of the ball to not give them a chance to decline the penalty, I know, but that is the current rule.
December 6th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Well, I watched this fixture, even though it finished at around 5:30am over here in Blighty and enjoyed it very much. And wasn’t overly concerned about that decision, since I’m a nominal New England fan (had affection for them ever since they got trounced in a superbowl in the 1980s).
I know they’re not so popular these days, but I think they play the game well and I even like watching the grumpy golem Bill Belichick on the sidelines - he makes me laugh, although not intentially, I’m sure.
But the Baltimore team did very well against them and probably deserved the game, but they lacked discipline and when big plays were required, on both offence and defence, the Patriots made them - you’ve got to give credit for that.
December 6th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Hi Andrew! That’s pretty nice, you’re the first Brit I’ve met who admits to watching American football! Happy to have you aboard! Also, I didn’t realize these games were being televised to Great Britain—so it appears the NFL is earnestly marketing the game to the European market. Well, I agree our Ravens should begin behaving with self-discipline, even moreso now that we know they’re on the British stage as well. Also, your commentary reminds me of the night John Lennon was up in the ABC booth with the announcers (including Howard Cosell) doing a little work for Monday Night Football. I guess the year was 1979 or 1980. I forget the teams that were playing that night, but it is a pleasant remembrance of John, Howard, Frank and Dandy Don having some fun together.
December 6th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Yes, lots of NFL games are televised live, on both the Sky subscription channels and a terrestrial channel (Channel 5), which I prefer because Mike Carlson is a very good pundit.
Actually, just to upset you all, we had the Dallas versus Green Bay game last week on the usual channels.
December 6th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Okay chaps and chapesses, sorry to double post, but to reply to young tom junior about the sport in the UK. The NFL has been televised over here since around the mid-1980s on various channels (we have channels, not networks, because we’re quaint).
The sport goes through ebbs and flows of popularity, but it’ll never challenge the indigenous sport of football, that’s to say soccer, the beautiful game. But it does have a very loyal hardcore of support, although I’m one of those who goes with the ebbs and flows.
Why will the sport never compete with soccer in perfidious Albion? Well, it’s probably a culture thing. So much of what is frowned upon on these boards is just not something we’d make a big issue.
I’ve watched more NFL this season than for many years, largely because I came across the various Belichick scandals on the internet.
I’m sorry, but running up the score isn’t something we mind at all. It would just never occur to us that we should save the blushes of our opponents. We wouldn’t see humiliating the opposition as showing a lack of class, unless it was done in an overtly arrogant manner. And I don’t think New England have done that - they’ve just got on with playing the game as best they can.
Philadelphia and Baltimore stood up for themselves and fair play to them for that. They showed class and dignity, although sadly both lacked a little discipline when they had the Patriots on the ropes. But other teams have just given up and allowed themselves to be steam-rollered. Tough. That’s their problem, not New England’s.
And all this kneeling to run the clock down isn’t something the average British sports fan would find appealing. What the heck (substitute a word beginning with F)? would be the common response.
Anyway, Belichick’s the fellow - I like him: he grimaces, he growls, he specialises in very brief handshakes and he holds a grudge forever and a day - sound bloke.
That chap who used to coach the Houston Oilers and dressed in black was another fun fellow - I used to enjoy it when he commentated on the superbowl in the 1980s.
December 6th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
wacko, good explaination on the penalty, thanks. Andrew, where abouts are you. I spent three years over in England when I was in the Army. I was in Harrogate area from 1996-1999. Used to catch some of the games on Sky as well. But I also had Armed Forces Network.
December 6th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
I’m a little further up - in Northumberland, between Yorkshire and the heathens across the border.
December 7th, 2007 at 8:48 am
lol…the heathens huh. Good one
December 7th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Andrew,thanks for your insights, and it appears unintentionally the NFL has successfully marketed itself to you and its fan base in England through a character known as “Belichick”— the morose, self-absorbed curmudgeon who could easily play Golem, a Troll, or the Evil Emperor in Star Wars (except the Emperor occasionally smiles)…Interesting! I wonder, if Belichick would dress differently in a gentleman’s suit and a bowler, if he does not subliminally remind you and us all of the great Sir Winston Churchill, another great leader who was also plagued by lengthy bouts of serious depression? Perhaps that is Belichick’s unconscious appeal to the English fan?
Oh yes, and the big ol’ country boy in the cowboy hat all dressed in black, I believe that fella’s name is Bum Phillips…Does anybody know where Bum is now?
December 7th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
No, no and thrice no, you can’t compare Belichick to Churchill, that’s just not on.
I see him as being more akin to the sinister Mr Bartholomew in Norman Jewson’s film “Rollerball” - someone who preaches that the age of the individual is over: the game placates the masses and gives illustration through Patriot dominance that individual endeavour is worthless and ultimately futile. Everyone must subordinate themselves to the machinery of the team.
Maybe in a couple of years he’ll realise that Tom Brady is challenging that, just as Jonathon E did in “Rollerball” and will set out to destroy him.
December 7th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Andrew, I see your point about the “RollerBall” analogy. Good stuff!
December 7th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
I like you Baltimore types - you answer my posts, unlike others around here.
Anyway, have to own up to a mistake, since I think the other coach I liked was actually with Atlanta and called Jerry somethingorother. He was a fun fellow. Is he still knocking about?
December 7th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Oh what what his name? Oh, I think you mean Jerry Glanville. He went into broadcasting for awhile, but is now coaching in college at Portland State University the last I heard.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
GO COLTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 8th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Where to? Hell?
Anyway, Glanville, that’s the fellow - I liked him, he was a sound fellow.
Returning to Belichick, I think he should revert to the Croat spelling of his surname.
December 8th, 2007 at 11:30 am
I didn’t know Belichick was of Croatian descent, Andrew, how would his name be spelled? Belazic? Here’s another Belichick fun fact: He started his coaching career here in Baltimore as a $25 per week assistant with the old Baltimore Colts.
December 8th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
I gather his paternal grandparents emigrated to the United States from Croatia in the 1890s (when I guess Croatia would’ve been part of the Austro-Hungarian empire). The family name was Belicic (with an accent above both the letters c, which would, I guess, mean it would be pronounced Belichich).
December 9th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
thanks, Andrew! good background research, I might add….I appreciate your attention to detail, I wish our Ravens coaching staff had the same degree of attention in managing our game clock sometimes! I hope you’ll continue to add your observations to these posts in the future. And thanks to you, I’m going to start paying more attention to “the beautiful game” of English Football (i.e., Soccer)….There are those among us Yanks who appreciate the ebb and flow of your game and I for one don’t mind the fact that scoring goals is a relatively rare event in a typical game–well, now that I mention it, we Ravens fans have lived well without much offensive scoring also!
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