Norv Turner apparently doesn't believe in miracles.When the Chargers faced fourth and 17 at their own 17 with 3:23 to play trailing by 18 points, there obviously aren't many scenarios you can map out that end up with a Chargers' W. But it's safe to say that punting was not exactly a good way to put together a comeback.
But that's what Turner did. He decided that his team couldn't get 17 yards on one play, so he punted. That punt likely kept the Steelers from adding a late field goal or touchdown, but since there really isn't any difference between losing your playoff game by 18 or 21 points, that was a pretty meaningless distinction.If Turner had decided to go for it, the Chargers would likely have failed and turned the ball over, but who cares -- the Chargers would have lost anyway. But by going for it, maybe a Steeler falls down and a wide receiver (or Darren Sproles) turns it into a big gain. Instead, Turner apparently hoped that he could get a Steeler to pull an Eric Weddle and let the punt bounce off his helmet.
The Chargers did manage to force the Steelers to punt (while burning the Chargers' final two timeouts). And San Diego did score a quick touchdown after the Steelers' punt, thanks to a catch-and-run by Sproles, but the Steelers recovered the onside kick to end the Chargers' chances. But Norv's decision to punt was a puzzling way to show that he believed in his offense.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-12-2009 @ 1:36AM
GreatR said...
Norv Turner, the below .500 for his life time coach, of the Chargers, which are a team that until Marty S., had many sub .500 years. It is a marriage made in heaven (A.J. Smith's Office). What fries my butt is the management of the team thinks a 9-9 record is something to be proud of. 14-2 gets you fired and 9-9 get you praise by the "management." The one thing Norv does that ensures his job is kiss A.J.'s butt.
By the way I watched Norv's post game press conference. I think any one watching it would conclude that the pasty faced, inarticulate blob wrigging his hands and looking perplexed can't inspire anyone. Its just pitiful.
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1-12-2009 @ 2:13AM
DB said...
The worst two calls I have ever seen took place this weekend. First, the NON call on Baltimore with 2 minutes remaining for taking two much time directly led to Baltimore scoring the game winning field goal. Second, in a very close game, the refs call a pass interference on San Diego putting the ball on the one foot line for Pittsburg and directly leading to an insurrmountable lead. (I watched 5 slow motion replays and there was no pass interference). Doesn't anyone watch these games anymore...or can the refs just do whatever they want and affect the outcomes. I am through watching pro football this year. When the refs decide the games, there is no reason to watch.
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1-13-2009 @ 11:33AM
Patrick said...
Typical apologist - blame the refs for a loss.
Instead of criticizing a "bogus" pass interference call, why not talk about a defense that could not stop a Steeler offense in a 3rd quarter every time it had 3rd and long, or a Charger unit that only had the ball for 17 SECONDS an entire quarter.
The Chargers exceeded expectations this year. With LT a shell of his former self and Merriman out, San Diego was fortunate to be in the playoffs (they have to thank their own grit and determination and a monumental Denver collapse for that). No Turner and no LT means Sproles carries the ball a lot more, which led to Pittsburgh keying in on him on almost every play (resulting in his 15 yards rushing).
SOMEDAY the Chargers will have their key personnel healthy and ready...and when that someday arrives, THEN they will see a Super Bowl.
1-14-2009 @ 4:06PM
Stephen Lang said...
I'm a Charger fan, and I am pretty sure I saw the basis for the PI on that call. The defender (I think it was Cletis Gordon) grabbed the receivers arm/wrist before the ball reached them. Had he not done that, it actually looked like it was gonna be a TD.
1-12-2009 @ 3:02AM
ET said...
yep, it was a pretty unimpressive tactical performance.
Mind you, I think you could throw Eli Manning and the GIants coaching staff into "Lacking Vision" bucket this weekend.
They were also very uninspiring.
see ya
ET
Tarik Sport Rankings
http://tariksport.com/nfl-blog/
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1-12-2009 @ 4:58AM
giant fan since 57 said...
Sad but true, ET. How come a guy like Jacobs who is very likely to safely run the ball for 10 first downs a game spends most of the game on the sidelines watching errant passes. To save him? For what? In the playoffs every game is the "last game."
Note to Gilbride.....Eli doesn't know how to quarterback sneak.
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1-12-2009 @ 7:15AM
greg said...
Too early? Do you really believe that your little disclaimer as to the difficulty of scoring three touchdowns in three minutes and 28 seconds removes the sheer stupidity from your little analysis. Do you believe that punt contributed to their loss?Maybe if you watched the game again you might find some of the real reasons the Chargers lost but let me warn you it may require some knowledge of football.
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1-13-2009 @ 3:40AM
h0mi said...
Norv Turner wasn't playing Madden 09 where going for it on 4th and very long (nevermind 4th and 17 on your own 17) sometimes works.
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1-13-2009 @ 9:48AM
dan fouts said...
this is one of the few articles talking about this silly decision. what was norv thinking?
good, amusing summary here about it too
http://theworldsombudsman.blogspot.com/2009/01/coaching-ombudsman-playing-field.html
can't believe this didn't get more attention from mainstream sports media
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