Kyle Williams vs. Billy Cundiff

[MorseMoose]

Lee Evans. He let up when he thought he had that TD.

But since that's a choice, I'll go with A.

[damientheomen3]

I find it ridiculous how many people blame Lee Evans when it was obviously not his fault. I also find that that whole "if it hits your hands you have to catch it" thing is bull**** because there are obviously extenuating circumstances, like this one was.

According to ESPN's Sports Science, Sterling Moore (the DB who knocked the ball loose) was able to separate one of Evans' hands from the ball, got his hand between the ball and Evans' chest so he couldn't secure it, and chopped the ball at an angle that made it roll out of the 1 hand he still had on the ball. So basically, Moore had a string of luck that saved the Patriots' season.

[Faroo6]

Originally Posted by Ragnar

I cannot disagree more. His first priority in a game like that in OT is to protect the ball, not try and run for a TD. You CANNOT fumble the ball in that situation. He was extremely careless. He was trying to be a hero and allowed fingertips to poke the ball out. It cost them the game.

Agree to disagree. Your offense hasn't moved the ball at all in the 4th quarter or OT. Your last regulation possession was a 3 and out that lasted all of 0:18. Another 3 and out from where he catches the punt is going to result in Andy Lee punting from around the 10 probably giving the Giants the ball at there own 35 or better. Eli then only has to go 40 yards to get in FG range. A guy running full speed happens to get his hand on the ball (which in the world of physics is gonna have some serious energy in that collision) as he's securing it to his chest. Watch the play and tell me that Culliver couldn't be as much at fault as he basically stopped playing and the guy he should have been blocking recovered the fumble, where if he blocks the guy a little longer (and he's in position to do so)Williams is probably gonna get the ball back.

[Faroo6]

Originally Posted by damientheomen3

I find it ridiculous how many people blame Lee Evans when it was obviously not his fault. I also find that that whole "if it hits your hands you have to catch it" thing is bull**** because there are obviously extenuating circumstances, like this one was.

According to ESPN's Sports Science, Sterling Moore (the DB who knocked the ball loose) was able to separate one of Evans' hands from the ball, got his hand between the ball and Evans' chest so he couldn't secure it, and chopped the ball at an angle that made it roll out of the 1 hand he still had on the ball. So basically, Moore had a string of luck that saved the Patriots' season.

If David Tyree can hold a ball against his helmet with one hand while Rodney Harrison is pulling on his arm, Lee Evans should be able to secure that football. Not saying its an easy catch, but I've seen it made by other receivers and definitely a catch Evans probably thinks he should and could have made.

[MorseMoose]

Originally Posted by Faroo6

If David Tyree can hold a ball against his helmet with one hand while Rodney Harrison is pulling on his arm, Lee Evans should be able to secure that football. Not saying its an easy catch, but I've seen it made by other receivers and definitely a catch Evans probably thinks he should and could have made.

The ball was in two arms/hands against his body. He should have caught that ball.

[RchW]

Originally Posted by damientheomen3

I find it ridiculous how many people blame Lee Evans when it was obviously not his fault. I also find that that whole "if it hits your hands you have to catch it" thing is bull**** because there are obviously extenuating circumstances, like this one was.

According to ESPN's Sports Science, Sterling Moore (the DB who knocked the ball loose) was able to separate one of Evans' hands from the ball, got his hand between the ball and Evans' chest so he couldn't secure it, and chopped the ball at an angle that made it roll out of the 1 hand he still had on the ball. So basically, Moore had a string of luck that saved the Patriots' season.

So we are to excuse Evans for not making the play but call Moore lucky for making the play. Something's missing in that argument.

Turn it around. If Evans had made the catch would you be calling him lucky and excusing Moore due to extenuating circumstances?

[Ragnar]

Originally Posted by Faroo6

Agree to disagree. Your offense hasn't moved the ball at all in the 4th quarter or OT. Your last regulation possession was a 3 and out that lasted all of 0:18. Another 3 and out from where he catches the punt is going to result in Andy Lee punting from around the 10 probably giving the Giants the ball at there own 35 or better. Eli then only has to go 40 yards to get in FG range. A guy running full speed happens to get his hand on the ball (which in the world of physics is gonna have some serious energy in that collision) as he's securing it to his chest. Watch the play and tell me that Culliver couldn't be as much at fault as he basically stopped playing and the guy he should have been blocking recovered the fumble, where if he blocks the guy a little longer (and he's in position to do so)Williams is probably gonna get the ball back.

You cannot fumble in that situation. The Giants didn't fumble after they recovered the ball, right? It is the same. In that situation you have to protect the ball first.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by Ragnar

You cannot fumble in that situation. The Giants didn't fumble after they recovered the ball, right? It is the same. In that situation you have to protect the ball first.

Agree. The ball has to be protected before he starts to run if he feels he isnt able to do that he should have called for a fair catch. Just because he meant to tuck the ball away doesnt make it excusable.

Any yardage a ball carrier may get means absolutely nothing if he doesnt maintain possession.

[Faroo6]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Agree. The ball has to be protected before he starts to run if he feels he isnt able to do that he should have called for a fair catch. Just because he meant to tuck the ball away doesnt make it excusable.

Any yardage a ball carrier may get means absolutely nothing if he doesnt maintain possession.

What I'm saying is that he's tucking it away when he is hit. Its not like he didn't try to tuck it away. A gunner got free from the inside and just poked his hand in, it wasn't like he had the ball out like a loaf of bread.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by Faroo6

What I'm saying is that he's tucking it away when he is hit. Its not like he didn't try to tuck it away. A gunner got free from the inside and just poked his hand in, it wasn't like he had the ball out like a loaf of bread.

I know what you are saying. The first thing he should have done is secure the ball. If he thought the defenders were too close that he wouldnt be able to do this he should have called the fair catch. Once you catch the punt it should take a split second to secure the ball. For some reason he decided to start running before having the ball properly secured which puts the blame on him. I mean yes it was a fluky strip but something that was easily preventable.