Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site busch.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!ihnp4!mgnetp!we53!busch!dcm
From: dcm@busch.UUCP (Craig Miller)
Newsgroups: net.sport.football
Subject: Re: 4th down choice
Message-ID: <358@busch.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 17-Dec-84 09:10:22 EST
Article-I.D.: busch.358
Posted: Mon Dec 17 09:10:22 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 18-Dec-84 03:27:37 EST
References: <600@asgb.UUCP>
Organization: Anheuser-Busch Companies - St. Louis Missouri
Lines: 45

> 	1. one of your receivers DOES catch -- first down

	I guess it's possible, but the percentages are against
	you here, unless of course, your last name is Flutie... :-)
	There's a definite possibility that by the time the ball
	gets there, there are more defenders than receivers waiting
	for it...

> 	2. a defender catches it -- same as a punt (in fact the
> 	   results may be better because there may be no return)

	How many defensive backs would be dumb enough to catch it?
	Most (if they were thinking) would knock it down and take
	the good field position they would have by taking over
	possession at the line of scrimmage...  Then again, we are
	assuming that they can all think...  :-(

> 	3. nobody catches it -- no big problem if the line of
> 	   scrimmage is not too bad (obviously you don't attempt
> 	   a kamakazi (spelling?) pass within an sight of the
> 	   endzone)

	Well, if the line of scrimmage wasn't that bad, how about
	a field goal?  If the ball is outside field goal range, this
	usually means it's in pretty good field position for the other
	team...

	Now, if the ball was between, let's say, their 35 and midfield,
	then maybe it's worth the chance...  But, would you rather have
	your defense trying to stop them at midfield or on their 20?
	Giving them the ball at midfield is putting alot of pressure on
	your defense, right?  And, if the ball is anywhere else, the
	decision to punt or not is *almost* automatic. (within their
	35: try a field goal or go for the first, within your territory:
	punt - of course these may change according to situation, but
	not by much...)

	Oh well.  Any comments on the Redskin/Cardinal game?  Cardinals
	did put up a respectable 2nd half...
-- 
Craig Miller
..!ihnp4!we53!busch!dcm
The Anheuser Busch Companies; St. Louis, Mo.

"Unix(tm): it's not just a job, it's fun."