Devin Singletary not scoring a TD with 34 seconds left

[chongli]

[I am sure this has been mentioned elsewhere (the post game thread is way too long for me to read through), but it might be a topic that deserves its own thread. A lot of people are talking about it, but mods feel free to merge this.]

 

I saw the game but did not listen to the NFL Network call. Apparently, Mark Sanchez was critical of Motor's decision to kneel at the four yard line. I will admit I was miffed when I saw the play. My thinking was it is a tie game in very icy conditions. In such conditions, you take the given TD rather than relying on a last-second FG where anything can go wrong (just look at what happened to Justin Tucker yesterday). Yes, I know that would leave Miami 34 seconds and a time out left for the potential tying (or winning) TD, but it is going to be a very hard thing to do. Yes, the Bills did have KC do it to them twice: 13 seconds and a similar thing against them this season at the end of the first half, and Buffalo did it to Minnesota to end the second half this year too, but I still consider it a fluke thing.

 

Still, I can understand the reasoning the other way. Miami has Tyreek and Jaylen, and a defender could just as well slip against them and give up the tying (or winning) TD. And a close FG, even in these situations, is still a relative gimme.

 

It's a tough call, and I will have to side with McD's judgment. He said in the article he has coached his team for this situation, calling it "no mas". Devin, to this credit, knew what to do!

 

In the comments to the article below, almost all of the people were against Buffalo not coring the TD in a tie game in icy conditions, saying the field goal was not a given (although the comments voting was about even). The twitter comments were a little more positive. They said if you have the lead, then sure, but take the points in a tie game in such conditions. They also said if Bass-o-matic missed the FG and the Dolphins went on to win in OT, people would be angry at Motor for costing us the game and first place in the AFC.

 

 

Edited December 18, 2022 by chongli

[billsbackto81]

It worked but I thought it was the wrong play. That decision was all about Tyreek Hill taking up real estate in McD's head. This was not Mahomes in Arrowhead in favorable conditions. It's Tua in Buffalo on snow. If you can't stop that from scoring a TD with less than a minute and no timeouts then we'll you're not a championship team. 

 

Of course it's JMHO, glad it worked out.

[JTown]

I don't get it.  Yes it worked in our favor this time however,  with the field conditions deteriorating.   The field goal was NOT a given.   What would we be feeling like today if Bass slipped,  missed or the FG was blocked.  IMO,  I would have liked to see Singletary score and defend the 34 seconds in those weather conditions. 

[ArtVandalay]

Regardless of your thoughts whether he should have scored the TD, it was an absolutely bonehead play to go down short of the first. 

Edited December 18, 2022 by ArtVandalay

[WhoTom]

Yeah, I was in the "he should have scored the TD" camp for the reasons you gave. Ideally, you want to leave no time on the clock, but this ain't Mahomes we're dealing with. I doubt Tua could engineer a miraculous TD drive in the snow with 30 seconds and no TOs.

 

 

[GoBills808]

It's fine

 

Slightly +EV but it's in the .05 range so negligible 

[Rubes]

1 minute ago, ArtVandalay said:

Regardless of your thoughts whether he should have scored the TD, it was an absolutely bonehead play to go down short of the first. 

Why? The Dolphins had one timeout left and the Bills had another play to run, so everyone knew they would be able to run the clock out before trying the FG. It didn’t matter at all.

 

[GoBills808]

Just now, Rubes said:

Why? The Dolphins had one timeout left and the Bills had another play to run, so everyone knew they would be able to run the clock out before trying the FG. It didn’t matter at all.

 

Yes exactly

[Jerome007]

I too thought he should have scored, I mean it was a TD and only 34 sec to go. I was also surprised by the following Josh kneeldown instead of another run attempt.

[YoloinOhio]

Quote

McDermott said the Bills practice the play where they’re trying to take time off the clock and thinking the other team might let them score a touchdown.

“We had talked about it. We call it ‘no mas,’ which means no more,” McDermott said. “You’re expecting them to potentially allow you to score right there, based on where the game was, where we had the ball, and the timeout situation.”

If Singletary had scored, the Bills would have taken a 36-29 lead, but also would have had to kick off with 34 seconds left, giving the Dolphins a chance to drive for a touchdown of their own. By going down, Singletary ensured that the game’s final play would be the Bills’ game-winning field goal.

 

Edited December 18, 2022 by YoloinOhio

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

3 minutes ago, ArtVandalay said:

Regardless of your thoughts whether he should have scored the TD, it was an absolutely bonehead play to go down short of the first. 

Ideally, would have been the better move. But “bonehead” is a little harsh. I think he thought he had the first down, and was off probably by 6’inches. If he goes too far, he risks getting pushed into the endzone too.

[Not at the table Karlos]

I was yelling "go down". Did not want to give dolphins a chance to throw deep which they've been very successful with. 

[gtw3]

I thought it was a selfless and incredibly situationally aware play. 

 

You can play the "what if" game with any scenario.  What if he scores and then we miss the PAT and then we pooch kick it and there is a music city miracle.  What if we kick it deep for a touchback and our DB slips and falls down and Hill goes for an 75 yarder. The what-ifs can go on and on and on.

[BillsBytheBay]

it was very apparent that Buffalo practiced and rehearsed for this exact situation. to be honest, that's all I really ask for before they attempted. because of that I thought it was a Sound Decision based on our Direct history.

[PromoTheRobot]

6 minutes ago, billsbackto81 said:

It worked but I thought it was the wrong play. That decision was all about Tyreek Hill taking up real estate in McD's head. This was not Mahomes in Arrowhead in favorable conditions. It's Tua in Buffalo on snow. If you can't stop that from scoring a TD with less than a minute and no timeouts then we'll you're not a championship team. 

 

Of course it's JMHO, glad it worked out.

 

It wasn't icy. It was fresh snow that was swept away to kick a chip spot. It was how you do it.

 

 

 

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

3 minutes ago, Not at the table Karlos said:

I was yelling "go down". Did not want to give dolphins a chance to throw deep which they've been very successful with. 

this is a great point. We had been burned by two deep balls this game and a long run already. You want Hamlin out there playing “safety” in the snow on a deep bomb to Hill with 35 seconds left? 

[Heavy Kevi]

It's part of the Bills concerted effort this year the "get W's over all".

 

In years past, the Bills and Josh would be "who they are" and continue to throw the ball, score quickly, etc.

 

The second half of this year they are willing to do whatever it takes to get the W. No style points awarded, they don't care. They believe they are the better team every week and if they just don't mess it up they should win.

[BillsBytheBay]

Just now, PromoTheRobot said:

 

It wasn't icy. It was fresh snow that was swept away to kick a chip spot. It was how you do it.

 

 

 

I loved watching Spencer Brown put in the extra effort to make sure that the kick spot was perfect, lol

[Coach Tuesday]

1 minute ago, BillsBytheBay said:

it was very apparent that Buffalo practiced and rehearsed for this exact situation. to be honest, that's all I really ask for before they attempted. because of that I thought it was a Sound Decision based on our Direct history.

Sort of where I’m at with it.  I understand the decision (13 seconds/Hill effect on McD) and it’s rational to decide it’s better to kick a chip shot field goal then give the other team any time to try for a miracle.  
 

But mostly I’m just glad they’re practicing and coaching situational football - I’ve had my doubts about that all season (including during last night’s game).

[DCofNC]

I personally hated it, too much risk in not taking the points I’m very glad it worked, but that was a big risk.

[chongli]

3 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

It wasn't icy. It was fresh snow that was swept away to kick a chip spot. It was how you do it.

 

 

 

 

I saw the players clear snow. But I was wondering why Bass didn't point them to the area where he started his run. That is also a very critical area.

 

 

Edited December 18, 2022 by chongli

[Real McClappy]

I thought clock management last night and against the Ravens was amazing. Kicking literal chip shot 25yd FG's while time expires I will take all day for 2 W's on the season.

 

Hats off to Motor for doing what the coaching staff coached him to do. 

[DaggersEOD]

I was 100% happy with the decision. 
 

If we can control the last play of the game, you do it. It was a 25(ish) yard FG, in the middle of the field and as others were mentioning, the footing seemed to be pretty good. 
 

Bass looked comfortable with his practice “swings” and the O had two timeouts to clear whatever surface snow accumulated. 
 

That said, until I saw the kick split the uprights, I was planning out OT in my head like a good Bills fan 😅😁

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

Almost a coin flip decision. I would have erred on the side of scoring the TD but don’t tell me you can’t imagine a tragic 37-36 loss.

[PromoTheRobot]

1 minute ago, chongli said:

 

I saw the players clear snow. But I was wondering why Bass d didn't point them to the area where he started his run. That is also a very critical area.

 

 

 

You'll note the players swept the wrong spot. The Bills called time out and Bass showed them where to sweep.

Edited December 18, 2022 by PromoTheRobot

[chongli]

3 minutes ago, BillsBytheBay said:

I loved watching Spencer Brown put in the extra effort to make sure that the kick spot was perfect, lol

 

What did he do?

[Rochesterfan]

8 minutes ago, ArtVandalay said:

Regardless of your thoughts whether he should have scored the TD, it was an absolutely bonehead play to go down short of the first. 

 

Why?  The Dolphins had 1 timeout that they needed to use after the play.  The Bills then had a play to kneel and run the clock. 
 

I would totally agree if it had been 3rd down and the Bills had to kick on the next play, but in that case get down before the defenders can drag you into the end zone.  The yardage did not matter as much as getting down.

 

It was 100% the right call because you eliminated any chance for the Dolphins to make a play and win the game in regulation.  By him going down - it was the Bills win or OT.

 

 

[RiotAct]

2 minutes ago, Real McNasty said:

I thought clock management last night and against the Ravens was amazing. Kicking literal chip shot 25yd FG's while time expires I will take all day for 2 W's on the season.

 

Hats off to Motor for doing what the coaching staff coached him to do. 

the old “No Más” play, according to McDermott!

[PromoTheRobot]

2 minutes ago, SageAgainstTheMachine said:

Almost a coin flip decision. I would have erred on the side of scoring the TD but don’t tell me you can’t imagine a tragic 37-36 loss.

 

You have the same guy who killed you at KC on the Dolphins. Are you going to give them :45 seconds?

[Bob in STL]

11 minutes ago, ArtVandalay said:

Regardless of your thoughts whether he should have scored the TD, it was an absolutely bonehead play to go down short of the first. 

The first down was irrelevant, we had enough downs and a time out to control the clock, which we did do perfectly.   He probably could not see the marker. 

 

The issue is do you take the 6 or do you make the snapper snap, the holder hold, and the kicker kick in snowy, slippery conditions.  The last play was not a gimme due to the field and weather conditions.  

[chongli]

2 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Sort of where I’m at with it.  I understand the decision (13 seconds/Hill effect on McD) and it’s rational to decide it’s better to kick a chip shot field goal then give the other team any time to try for a miracle.  
 

But mostly I’m just glad they’re practicing and coaching situational football - I’ve had my doubts about that all season (including during last night’s game).

 

McD is growing up! Bills 6-3 this year in games decided by one score or less! Take that Cowherd.

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

Just now, PromoTheRobot said:

 

You have the same guy who killed you at KC on the Dolphins. Are you going to give them :45 seconds?

 

I think it was 34 seconds but yeah, they just need a couple plays to get to our 40 yard line and then...

[WhoTom]

10 minutes ago, Not at the table Karlos said:

I was yelling "go down". Did not want to give dolphins a chance to throw deep which they've been very successful with. 

 

True, but one reason they were successful in the deep passes was that they were torching us on the ground. This would have been a purely passing situation. Against any QB not named Allen, Mahomes, Rodgers, or Brady, it should be easy to defend against the deep ball.

[Albany,n.y.]

After what the Jets did to Cleveland this year, when the RB scored & put Cleveland up by 13, I understand why McDermott did this.  He did the same thing in Baltimore.  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/09/18/jets-stun-browns-31-30-after-late-comeback/

 

One question Chubb and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will likely be asked is why Chubb didn’t go down rather than score the final touchdown. The Jets were out of timeouts and the Browns could have run out almost all of the remaining clock if Chubb had stopped himself short of the end zone.

 

 

[billieve420]

Think Singletary misjudged where the first down marker was when deciding to go down. Obviously if he had gotten the 1st they could have milked some more time off the clock while trying to rush for TD.

[biLLyBuFFs]

After their debacle fumbling the goal line snap, the conditions, opponent...I too was on the just score side, but it worked so kudos to the decision.

[Watkins101]

20 minutes ago, ArtVandalay said:

Regardless of your thoughts whether he should have scored the TD, it was an absolutely bonehead play to go down short of the first. 

Why? The Dolphins were out of timeouts and the difference of 2 yards for the field goal really didn’t make a difference. 

[Htt2821]

It was absolutely, no questions asked, the correct decision and I am very glad to see players and coaches practicing this. 
 

The downs were irrelevant. 
 

We made the Dolphins burn their last timeouts. 
 

Of course nothing is guaranteed, but you play the odds that your high quality FG team executes a chip shot FG to win the game. 
 

It was a thing of beauty to watch. 

[TH3]

21 minutes ago, ArtVandalay said:

Regardless of your thoughts whether he should have scored the TD, it was an absolutely bonehead play to go down short of the first. 

Damn.  You are so consistently wrong

[Hsker4life]

I could sense that that was Buffalo’s plan from the play before. I like the call.