Carolina just botched a shot at leading the game on the last play of the first half.
The Panthers had had a decent drive and gotten to 4th-and-2 from the Vikings' 29. They sent John Kasay out for a 47-yard field-goal attempt with 0:04 remaining.
But then, here came some of the Panthers' nastiness. They got called for a false start -- on undrafted rookie Garry Williams, in for blocking purposes -- which would have made it a 52-yard field goal.
That, decided coach John Fox, was too far. Kasay had already had an extra point blocked in this game and Fox was obviously concerned about the ol' blocked punt-runback play, which must happen at least, oh, twice a year in the NFL.
So instead, he sent Matt Moore back out to throw a Hail Mary, which was incomplete, and so Carolina still trails 7-6 at the half.
Fox's decision here -- questioned by Cris Collinsworth on TV -- was downright weird. Does he suddenly not trust Kasay's leg? (Kasay has had troubles from 50-yard plus this season). But it's not like the Vikings would get the ball back if he missed -- only the block would have hurt Carolina.
Anyway, Matt Moore actually had a pretty good half for Carolina -- he has avoided all mistakes -- but the Panthers are still down 7-6.
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9 years ago
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6 comments:
The reason he didn't kick it was because the media and fans skewered Fox when he went for a 50+ yard field goal when it was cold outside in an earlier game, so either way he made the wrong decision?
If he didn't trust Kasay's leg, why not try Lloyd? There'd be no time left and someone blocking it and running it back for a touchdown was unlikely.
Very frustrating call.
Why do you only live-blog the first half of the game? Past your bedtime?
the difference between kicking the ball in new england when it is raining is that the ball is soaked and weighs more essentially making a 50 yarder a lot harder. tonight before halftime, prior to the false start and penalty, kasay drilled the hell out of the ball and hit it down the center... based on that kick, i would have re-kicked it... the conditions for that kick were excellent. so yes, fox was wrong both in new england and in charlotte, the game is dynamic, every situation calls for a different approach based on the variables.
i guess mr fowler either went to bed early or couldnt find anything negative to post about the 2nd half. oh well. this season has been rough, but i thoroughly enjoyed this. everyone else should too.
lol @ anon 12:01am...
Maybe hes still in shock?
I agree what a hell of a game...
Favre is gonna have visions of Peppers instead of sugar plums running through his head this week...
Happy Holidays Everyone....
Stay Safe and Enjoy this "we werent suppose to win this one"..
I am!!!!!
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