As is the norm for an NFL Sunday, there were quite a few interesting plays that occurred during the afternoon's games. But, one above all the others intrigues me (and many others) more than any in recent memory.
A large percentage of NFL games ends in the same way. The final seconds are ticking away. The offensive team is one play from winning. They line up in "Victory Formation", offensive line and running backs crowding close to hike the ball to the quarterback, who promptly kneels down to end the game. The defense barely moves, if at all. Game over. Everyone shakes hands and leaves to celebrate what went right or debate what went wrong. That was not the case in the game between the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It was a wild game to say the least. Huge momentum shifts. Close to 800 total passing yards. Massive stats positive and negative for Eli Manning. The Giants were five seconds from victory. Not surprisingly, they were in the "Victory Formation" described above. Instead of things ending as every other kneel down I've seen, the Bucs defensive team stormed forward into New York's offensive line, knocking Eli Manning to the ground, the ball safely in his possession. Different. But, game over. Yes and no.
Giants coach Tom Couglin had harsh words for Bucs coach Greg Schiano at mid-field. Couglin spoke about it at his press conference, saying, "We don't do that in this league." Schiano stated in his press conference that he expects and teaches his players to play, "Until we're told the game is over."
I've already seen several NFL analysts, mainly former players and coaches, who have denounced Coach Schiano and the Bucs. I've read a blog entry with the same point of view. Though, the readers' comments of that blog run about fifty-fifty on the topic. I saw another blog in support of the play. I saw two former players debate the topic on the NFL Network, with one coming down on each side.
Being an avid NFL fan, I thought I'd give my two cents. Before I begin, I must confess that I am a life long fan of the Bucs. Honestly, though, I've tried to keep my loyalties out of this one. That being said, I have no problem with what Schiano did for several reasons.
First, the game was wild. One team looking like they would pull an upset. The other refusing to die and mounting an amazing comeback and taking the lead. The Bucs come back and tie it again. The Giants scored yet again. Back and forth and back and forth. Who's to say one more wild play couldn't have been added to the tally? Were the odds vastly against a fumble happening and the Bucs running the ball for a tying touchdown? Of course. But, the odds were vastly against Eli Manning throwing for nearly 300 yards in the fourth quarter and 510 for the game. Weird shit happens. Remember, they were down by one score. Any more than that and the play doesn't happen that way.
Second, Coughlin stated he was concerned about the play causing possible injuries to his offensive line and Super Bowl MVP quarterback. Okay, fine. But, get serious. Players can get hurt on every play in the game. That's why they wear helmets and pads. No one was trying to hurt someone else. The Bucs were undoubtedly ticked over blowing a fourteen point second half lead and giving up so many big plays. The Giants were excited for completing such an improbable comeback and gutting out the win. Understood. What's the harm in giving everything you have for one more play? As Schiano said, "It wasn't a dirty play." It was straightforward. Go for the ball. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky.
Third, I've seen hundreds of those "Victory Formation" plays. Every Giant player and coach has seen far, far more than I have. It was obvious to me that something was up before the ball was even snapped. The Bucs were crouched low, weight forward, back legs kicking the turf, ready to spring through the offensive line. If the Giants' players and coaching staff were paying attention, they would've noticed something was amiss and been prepared for it. But, they didn't. Don't blame the Bucs because you weren't ready.
Lastly, the NFL is simply becoming too damn weak for my tastes. The most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement is beyond lame. In a sixteen game season, teams are only allowed to have fourteen practices in pads. Fourteen. Really? I could handle fourteen full contact practices in four months and I'm forty and fat. There are no more two-a-day practices in training camp. Every high school in the country has two-a-day practices. But, not the big, bad professionals. After all, RGIII or Tom Brady or Cam Newton could get a hangnail and then where would the league be? Seriously, Manning was knocked over. Not hit. Not sacked. Not injured. Knocked over. He's fine. Move on.
I know, I know. What if the roles were reversed and this happened against the Bucs? Honestly, I think I'd feel the same way. Be ready to play every play. Fluke things happen. Mistakes happen. Weird shit happens. Be ready for it and quit bitching.
