Quote Originally Posted by Optimistic Nick View Post
Re placekicking - I am sure you are right, it's just that it hadn't occured to me before. Seems bizarre really when everything else is so carefully managed. Not sure what I expected really - perhaps that some other player may have some responsibilities as an emergency kicker. I was rather hoping that the Aussie guy would have a crack at a drop-goal, but I imagine they went for 2-point conversions in the second half as they did't rate his chances!

Re: the running game. I think on the highlights of the second half I saw them try to run at 3rd and 7!? Did they manage to run the ball even half that distance on any play prior to that? It was like watching a sporting version of Einstein's definition of insanity. American football is a really complicated game and I don't pretend to understand it to even GCSE levels, but I would be interested to see if anyone who better understands the game can defend those play calls.
Throughout the regular season Seattle had one of the best run games in the league, but in passing statistics they were ranked near the bottom.
If they weren't comfortable with their pass game, they risk field position either by throwing an interception, or by the QB getting sacked. The coaches must have felt much better about running the ball.

And although it may seem daft continuously running into a wall of defenders, if they had been able to tire that Dallas defense, or potentially find the opening they were looking for, everything would have clicked into place. When it doesn't work, you haven't lost many yards, and then get to punt from a better position.