Monday Night Fights

When we pigs are not debating which sideline reporter had to "work" the hardest to obtain their position (it's Heidi Watney), or which female tennis player would be the best in the sack (it's Serena), we like to consider more serious, cultured matters such as, "Who would win in a fight?"

This week we got:

Belichick's decision to go for it on 4th down against the Colts in Week 10

vs.

Tomlin's decision to go for an onside kick while leading in week 15

Tale of the Tape...

Belichick:

• Leading 34-28 in the 4th quarter, Belichick decided to attempt a 4th down conversion in the Patriots own end of the field.  
• The Attempt fails when Kevin Faulk is "stopped short" by the Colts defense.
  
• Patriots lose the game 35-34.

Tomlin:

• Leading 30-28 in the 4th quarter, Tomlin calls for an onside kick.
• The attempt fails when Ike Taylor touches the ball prior to the ball traveling 10 yards downfield.
• Steelers win the game 37-36.

Analysis:

Both coaches were expressing a clear lack of confidence in their defenses by making their respective calls.  The Colts were having their way with the Patriots in the second half of what should have been a Patriots blow out.  And Belichick was all too aware of what Peyton Manning can do to any defense, let along such an inexperienced one.  The Packers were having no trouble moving the ball on the Steelers and Tomlin must have been concerned with them bleeding the remaining 4 minutes off the clock considering that all they needed was a field goal to win the game.

Point is, if both coaches are successful, then both games are over, and we're calling them geniuses, or at the very least, gutsy.  Both coaches needed to consider that their defense were both tapped, and that they were facing superior units on the other side of the ball.  In the end, both coaches gave the ball to the other team along with excellent scoring field position.   And in both instances, the opposing team managed to score.  The difference is that the Steelers had time left on the clock after their opponent scored.

You cannot blame Belichick for having no faith in his defense.  They're young and the Colts were scoring on them.  However, with the Patriots maintaining an overwhelming lead in terms of "time of possession", the Patriots defense should have still been able to go out there and make a play.  Punt, pin them as deep as possible, and make it difficult on the Colts.

Aside from one big run, the Steelers defense had made the Packers ultimately a one-dimensional passing unit.  After all, the Steelers boast the best rushing defense in the league.  Sure they were getting scored on as well, but these are the Steelers!  A smashmouth, defensive ball club.  If you can't rely on them, then who can you rely on?  The Steelers passing game?  I'm confused...

Scorecard:

Tomlin via spilt decision.

Can't argue with results.  Steelers won.  Patriots didn't.  But these coaches still have some 'splainin to do.