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From: pellegri@ittral.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.sport.football
Subject: Re: 4th down choice
Message-ID: <489@ittral.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 20-Dec-84 13:08:26 EST
Article-I.D.: ittral.489
Posted: Thu Dec 20 13:08:26 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 22-Dec-84 01:22:24 EST
References: asgb.600
Lines: 16


What about the odds of offensive pass interference?  Then its 4th and even 
longer to go.

If the ball hits the ground its first and ten for the other team.  If it was
such a long way to go for the first down, chances are the other team will now
have pretty good field position.

A punt is less risky (provided the punter has good blocking) and there's 
always the chance for a fumble, especially if there is no fair catch called.
The ball can also be "downed" deep into the punted-to teams territory.

No defender will intercept on fourth and long unless there is a chance for a
terrific run-back (like for a touchdown).  It is better to simply bat the ball 
away and let his offense take over with the ball 20, 30, 40 or more yards up
the field, first and ten.