What’s more fun than second-guessing an NFL coach? Nothing, that’s it. So let’s do it every week here. We’ll start with a question about overtime strategy. Will you continue to drive for the win or will you take a kick?
scenario
Detroit completely dominated Dallas, 37-9. In the final seconds of the third quarter, Lions QB Jared Goff threw a pass to his right, which was caught by Amon-Ra St. Brown, who immediately passed it laterally to right tackle Penei. – Hit Sewell. Sewell vacated a position on the offensive line to take the pitch near the Cowboys’ 10-yard line, then charged toward the end zone and continued the beatdown of an already crumbling Cowboys team.
So…should Detroit have made a trick play when they clearly already won the game, or is it poor sportsmanship on the part of the Lions? Your call.
The case for “playing the game the right way”
Why dance on your opponent’s grave when you are humbling him? There is such a thing as sportsmanship, and making a stupid play to get an offensive lineman a garbage touchdown is far from sportsmanship. Win like a gentleman, lose like a gentleman, and treat others with the same respect you would want them to treat you.
case of deception
The easiest way to prevent your opponent from pulling trick plays on you during a blowout is to not let them blow you in the first place. Sportsmanship has no reward on a scoreboard. Enhancing the playbook does not give you additional points. Plays executed in October can pay big dividends in January (or February, if the Lions prefer). This is soccer, not golf. Take advantage of every opportunity at your disposal. If feelings are hurt, be harsh.
result
In the end, the “touchdown” didn’t count. Sewell appeared to get his elbow on the ground before scoring, but the flag went flying before he could begin his dive. Detroit was flagged for having an ineligible player downfield and the entire play was invalidated. Three plays later, Detroit elected to make a field goal, increasing the Lion’s lead to 40-9. Sewell never had a chance to touch the ball again.
Impact on match results
does not exist. Detroit added another touchdown and won 47-9. After dragging that skull, Dallas has much bigger problems to worry about than Detroit, which is playing a little trickery to get some love from its franchise stalwarts.
After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell was unapologetic about opening up the scenario against the Cowboys. “Our job is to come up with something more creative every week and find ways to keep pushing the boundaries. So now it’s like, ‘Let’s go find something else.'” he said.
So, future Lions opponents, take note. Falling apart doesn’t save you.
So let us know what you think in the comments. Trick or proper football? It’s your phone.
