Big Ben Punt? (1 Viewer)

[Ralph Furley]

As I was watching the game I could not understand why Pitt did not just straight up punt?

I understand the strategy of it all and it worked out well but could you imagine if Ben gets injured on this play? For what? The element of surprise? Avoid Sproles?

I love Tomlin and his aggressive play-calling but between the fake punt and this, he seems a little too cavalier at times for me.

The fake punt cost Pitt 3 points and the Ben punt was just unnecessary IMO.

That being said, I love Tomlin but I do have to scratch my head at times.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I digged the fake punt call.

I think the quick kick was unnecessary, because from that close your punter should be able to get a high kick that travels 25-30 yards and pin them deep. Unless you don't have any faith in your punter, I don't see the point. It worked just fine, but I'd rather do the quick on your own 30 than the opponent's 30.

 

[belljr]

They would have gone for it if they saw a coverage they liked or a personnel matchup they like. After Ben decided he didn't like the look he decided to quick kick.

And worst case they have no one back to field it.

that's how I saw it

 

[BaBastage]

I actually liked the call at that position of the field and the elements / snow. Field goal was too risky and would have lost field position if he missed.

This way, Roeth could line up, survey the defense, and then make the decision to go for it or punt. Just my $.02

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Only decent reason I can come up with for the quick kick was Tomlin was hoping to get the Ravens to jump. Maybe they sent in the play telling Roeth "if you get to X Time Left on the playclock and they haven't jumped, just drop back and kick it." I was cool with the call given where they were on the field.

The fake punt was a throw away play and a bad decision, IMO. At that point the Steelers had been running all over the Chargers and needed, what, a yard? Their defense had also settled down and was starting to take control. Either line up and just go for it straight up(and NOT give it to Carey Davis!) or punt it away and let the defense get it back to you. Direct snapping to your starting FS at that part of the field doesn't strike me as the smartest move in a playoff game. He fumbles that for a Baltimore ST touchdown and it could have been a disaster.

 

[Ralph Furley]

They would have gone for it if they saw a coverage they liked or a personnel matchup they like. After Ben decided he didn't like the look he decided to quick kick.And worst case they have no one back to field it.that's how I saw it

Totally see your point, I guess my concern was more looking out for Ben's health especially coming off a concussion.However, could you imagine the venom thrown Tomlin's way if Ben seriously injures himself? Why not do exactly what you said, except instead of the quick punt, call a timeout and let the punter do his job.

 

[belljr]

They would have gone for it if they saw a coverage they liked or a personnel matchup they like. After Ben decided he didn't like the look he decided to quick kick.And worst case they have no one back to field it.that's how I saw it

Totally see your point, I guess my concern was more looking out for Ben's health especially coming off a concussion.However, could you imagine the venom thrown Tomlin's way if Ben seriously injures himself? Why not do exactly what you said, except instead of the quick punt, call a timeout and let the punter do his job.

I guess but I can't remember the last time I saw a QB quick kick and get hit. I don't think it's a "high risk injury play"

 

[Franknbeans]

The fake punt was a genius call. Too bad they didn't convert and you'd realize that. Another reason it was a good call because it forced the Steelers O to wake the hell up and drive the field for a score. That move jump started the offense for the rest of the day. Brilliant!

 

[Godsbrother]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

 

[Ralph Furley]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.When you ask someone to do something they normally don't do, crazy stuff tends to happen. Thankfully this was not the case.Just saying, if Ben were to have gotten injured on that play, I don't know too many people who would be too thrilled with that play call.I understand that any player is one hit away from injury, but IMO a QB should NOT get injured punting a ball for an extra 10-15 yards, especially when you have the D they do.

 

[CrossEyed]

The thing that most surprised me was that Ben punts lefty.

 

[gonzobill5]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.When you ask someone to do something they normally don't do, crazy stuff tends to happen. Thankfully this was not the case.

Just saying, if Ben were to have gotten injured on that play, I don't know too many people who would be too thrilled with that play call.

I understand that any player is one hit away from injury, but IMO a QB should NOT get injured punting a ball for an extra 10-15 yards, especially when you have the D they do.

Aside from getting injured, what if he Charlie Browned it? I've never thought punting was a difficult skill, but put me in front of a rush and who knows what happens.

 

[r3t2]

I digged the fake punt call.I think the quick kick was unnecessary, because from that close your punter should be able to get a high kick that travels 25-30 yards and pin them deep. Unless you don't have any faith in your punter, I don't see the point. It worked just fine, but I'd rather do the quick on your own 30 than the opponent's 30.

kudos to this call because with sepulveda on IR the steelers punting game is one of the worst in the league. i have NO faith in their punter. and if i am not mistaken, ben has punted before, so its not like he's uncomfortable doing it. and last point, i dont think you can be afraid of an injury if you think you can give your team an advantage in the playoffs. playing scared rarely creates a championship team. at this time of year, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.

 

[poopdawg]

Stupid question.......

Could they have gotten called for roughing the kicker if they would have hit him? Seems dumb to think that they could.

 

[CrossEyed]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.When you ask someone to do something they normally don't do, crazy stuff tends to happen. Thankfully this was not the case.

Just saying, if Ben were to have gotten injured on that play, I don't know too many people who would be too thrilled with that play call.

I understand that any player is one hit away from injury, but IMO a QB should NOT get injured punting a ball for an extra 10-15 yards, especially when you have the D they do.

Aside from getting injured, what if he Charlie Browned it? I've never thought punting was a difficult skill, but put me in front of a rush and who knows what happens.

Call me crazy, but I'm guessing they've practiced this a few times.

 

[identikit]

Stupid question.......Could they have gotten called for roughing the kicker if they would have hit him? Seems dumb to think that they could.

My answer would be yes...

 

[zDragon]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.When you ask someone to do something they normally don't do, crazy stuff tends to happen. Thankfully this was not the case.Just saying, if Ben were to have gotten injured on that play, I don't know too many people who would be too thrilled with that play call.I understand that any player is one hit away from injury, but IMO a QB should NOT get injured punting a ball for an extra 10-15 yards, especially when you have the D they do.

For all we know this is worked on weekly by Ben in practice. Therefore it is something they do and is not really out of the norm to run.

 

[Ralph Furley]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.When you ask someone to do something they normally don't do, crazy stuff tends to happen. Thankfully this was not the case.Just saying, if Ben were to have gotten injured on that play, I don't know too many people who would be too thrilled with that play call.I understand that any player is one hit away from injury, but IMO a QB should NOT get injured punting a ball for an extra 10-15 yards, especially when you have the D they do.

For all we know this is worked on weekly by Ben in practice. Therefore it is something they do and is not really out of the norm to run.

Maybe so, but I would not have my $100 million QB punting under any circumstances. The negatives so far outweigh the positives, I simply do not understand why you would take such an unnecessary risk. I am just saying could you imagine if Ben gets injured on this play? How do you explain this?

 

[golfguy]

um i think the reason was so that sproles wasn't out there for a return? why give them a chance at a return?

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.

I don't buy that. If the coaching staff feels like that play is an advantage, then you do it. So to answer your question, I guess it is worth the risk.What risk are you talking about though. It's a little ridiculous to think he'd end up getting some serious injury for punting the ball. If you make up scenarios for that, you can make up a million of them. Maybe he should have slept at the stadium all week in case he got in a car accident on the way home.I'm serious, do you think driving to and from work for 6 days and getting in an accident is about the same percentage of Ben getting hurt on 1 specific punt play, I do.You should have written a post about the block he made in the game. Did you see where he made a big block to help a runner get around end?I'll tell you right now there was WAY more of a chance of him hurting a shoulder, a finger, a knee to the head than him punting the ball. Before you start stopping the punt play due to worry of getting injured, let's start with not picking up 250 pound linebackers who are in full speed ready to rip his head off.

 

[parasaurolophus]

great call, great execution.

Seems kinda silly to bring up an injury risk.

Maybe they should sub ben out when it looks like the other team is blitzing. I mean he could get hurt weal bad.

 

[zDragon]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.

I don't buy that. If the coaching staff feels like that play is an advantage, then you do it. So to answer your question, I guess it is worth the risk.What risk are you talking about though. It's a little ridiculous to think he'd end up getting some serious injury for punting the ball. If you make up scenarios for that, you can make up a million of them. Maybe he should have slept at the stadium all week in case he got in a car accident on the way home.I'm serious, do you think driving to and from work for 6 days and getting in an accident is about the same percentage of Ben getting hurt on 1 specific punt play, I do.You should have written a post about the block he made in the game. Did you see where he made a big block to help a runner get around end?I'll tell you right now there was WAY more of a chance of him hurting a shoulder, a finger, a knee to the head than him punting the ball. Before you start stopping the punt play due to worry of getting injured, let's start with not picking up 250 pound linebackers who are in full speed ready to rip his head off.

His block was great. Nice to see a QB lay down that good of a block.

 

[bentley]

great call, great execution.Seems kinda silly to bring up an injury risk. Maybe they should sub ben out when it looks like the other team is blitzing. I mean he could get hurt weal bad.

Agreed. Quick kick is a very low risk play for the QB.

 

[Lord Lucan]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

 

[apalmer]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

 

[identikit]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

Like it's never been done before these guys did it...

 

[Godsbrother]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

Like it's never been done before these guys did it...

This isn't even the first time Big Ben did it.

 

[apalmer]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

Like it's never been done before these guys did it...

Uh, that was sort of the point of my post. Guess I should have added a

 

[identikit]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

Like it's never been done before these guys did it...

Uh, that was sort of the point of my post. Guess I should have added a

Gotcha...

 

[Larrywarren]

Both the Big Ben punt and the fake on the punt show that a desire from the Steelers to be unpredictable which at the same time keeps their opponents off balance. The Steelers have not scored more than the 35 points they racked up on Sunday since week 1 when playing at home so credit needs to be given to the play calling and the game plan as a whole - neither play was particularly effective on Sunday but in the overall scheme they were both part of an effective game plan on offense.

I wonder also if the Steelers reckoned they might have a better chance of drawing a roughing the punter penalty if BB was the punter ( of couse there's a weakness in that theory that he'd need to be roughed in the first instance but on balance you have to do a lot less roughing on a punter than on a QB to get flagged ).

 

[Perfect Tommy]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.

I don't buy that. If the coaching staff feels like that play is an advantage, then you do it. So to answer your question, I guess it is worth the risk.What risk are you talking about though. It's a little ridiculous to think he'd end up getting some serious injury for punting the ball. If you make up scenarios for that, you can make up a million of them. Maybe he should have slept at the stadium all week in case he got in a car accident on the way home.I'm serious, do you think driving to and from work for 6 days and getting in an accident is about the same percentage of Ben getting hurt on 1 specific punt play, I do.You should have written a post about the block he made in the game. Did you see where he made a big block to help a runner get around end?I'll tell you right now there was WAY more of a chance of him hurting a shoulder, a finger, a knee to the head than him punting the ball. Before you start stopping the punt play due to worry of getting injured, let's start with not picking up 250 pound linebackers who are in full speed ready to rip his head off.

You are grossly underestimating the chance of Big Ben getting hurt again driving. He is a horrible driver and likes to ride his motorcycle with no helmet. I sure the Steelers would spring for a chauffer if they could.

 

[Lord Lucan]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

You're both missing the point. It's not who did it first, it's the fact that Belichick has done it recently. He wasn't the first coach ever to start going for it more on 4th down, either. If the Patriots ran a triple reverse and it worked, you'd see somebody else try it within the next couple of weeks. I'm not saying he's especially innovative, I'm saying he's influential.

 

[apalmer]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

You're both missing the point. It's not who did it first, it's the fact that Belichick has done it recently. He wasn't the first coach ever to start going for it more on 4th down, either. If the Patriots ran a triple reverse and it worked, you'd see somebody else try it within the next couple of weeks. I'm not saying he's especially innovative, I'm saying he's influential.

I see what you mean. Why, earlier this season, the Patriots actually ran a draw play on third down. I've seen nearly every team in the league copy that at least once ever since. What would we do without the genius of Belichick?

 

[JAA]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

You're both missing the point. It's not who did it first, it's the fact that Belichick has done it recently. He wasn't the first coach ever to start going for it more on 4th down, either. If the Patriots ran a triple reverse and it worked, you'd see somebody else try it within the next couple of weeks. I'm not saying he's especially innovative, I'm saying he's influential.

wow

 

[Christo]

great call, great execution.Seems kinda silly to bring up an injury risk. Maybe they should sub ben out when it looks like the other team is blitzing. I mean he could get hurt weal bad.

Agreed. Quick kick is a very low risk play for the QB.

Once he made his mind up to punt, the only real way for him to get hurt would be a late hit. Unless, he stubbed his toe, of course.

 

[Nemesis]

They would have gone for it if they saw a coverage they liked or a personnel matchup they like. After Ben decided he didn't like the look he decided to quick kick.

Why not do exactly what you said, except instead of the quick punt, call a timeout and let the punter do his job.

I think there was a chance Pitt would have gone for it if the coverage was right. However, there is another reason to line up and appear to go for it..........cause the SD DEFENSE TO BURN A TIMEOUT. (however, I don't think they did.........so Ben punted it)

Also, if Pitt had called a timeout to bring the punter out instead of Ben, Tomlin would have gotten even MORE criticism..........in this case, you just let the play clock expire, take the 5 yd delay of game penalty and then let the real punter kick the ball on the next play.

 

[The Hank]

I think that the important detail that you guys are leaving out is that this move kept the Chargers DEF on the field rather than Sproles, who is an excellent return man.

In addition to this, as someone mentioned before, by Ben punting it himself, it caught the DEF off guard and no one was able to field the punt and was downed by PIT. It was a very good call by Ligashesky (ST Coach) and Tomlin.

If anyone were to hit Ben it would be a Roughing the Kicker/Punter penalty.

25 Yards wasnt a bad punt for Ben considering he didnt put much effort into it, and Ernster was averaging 31 yards, and that was his only job!

Great call.

 

[PewterFan]

I actually liked the call at that position of the field and the elements / snow. Field goal was too risky and would have lost field position if he missed.This way, Roeth could line up, survey the defense, and then make the decision to go for it or punt. Just my $.02

worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.

You're putting too much emphasis on the risk of him being injured on that play IMO.

 

[parasaurolophus]

has a qb ever been hurt doing a quick kick?

 

[Zow]

I digged the fake punt call.I think the quick kick was unnecessary, because from that close your punter should be able to get a high kick that travels 25-30 yards and pin them deep. Unless you don't have any faith in your punter, I don't see the point. It worked just fine, but I'd rather do the quick on your own 30 than the opponent's 30.

yep, Ben's punt was perfect... but yet an average punter would have done the same thing. Seems kinda risky just for an offsides call.

 

[Christo]

I digged the fake punt call.I think the quick kick was unnecessary, because from that close your punter should be able to get a high kick that travels 25-30 yards and pin them deep. Unless you don't have any faith in your punter, I don't see the point. It worked just fine, but I'd rather do the quick on your own 30 than the opponent's 30.

yep, Ben's punt was perfect... but yet an average punter would have done the same thing. Seems kinda risky just for an offsides call.

Risky how?

 

[bentley]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

You're both missing the point. It's not who did it first, it's the fact that Belichick has done it recently. He wasn't the first coach ever to start going for it more on 4th down, either. If the Patriots ran a triple reverse and it worked, you'd see somebody else try it within the next couple of weeks. I'm not saying he's especially innovative, I'm saying he's influential.

You're really overestimated Belichick here. While I agree that someone would copy the triple reverse if it worked, it because everyone in the NFL copies everything that's successful whether Belichick or any other coach does it.

 

[bentley]

I digged the fake punt call.I think the quick kick was unnecessary, because from that close your punter should be able to get a high kick that travels 25-30 yards and pin them deep. Unless you don't have any faith in your punter, I don't see the point. It worked just fine, but I'd rather do the quick on your own 30 than the opponent's 30.

yep, Ben's punt was perfect... but yet an average punter would have done the same thing. Seems kinda risky just for an offsides call.

Risky how?

This is Woz we're talking about here.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

great call, great execution.

Seems kinda silly to bring up an injury risk.

Maybe they should sub ben out when it looks like the other team is blitzing. I mean he could get hurt weal bad.

 

[Steeler]

I digged the fake punt call.I think the quick kick was unnecessary, because from that close your punter should be able to get a high kick that travels 25-30 yards and pin them deep. Unless you don't have any faith in your punter, I don't see the point. It worked just fine, but I'd rather do the quick on your own 30 than the opponent's 30.

yep, Ben's punt was perfect... but yet an average punter would have done the same thing. Seems kinda risky just for an offsides call.

All this "risk of injury" talk is

 

[Christo]

My first thought when I saw the play was that here was yet another example of Belichick's example being followed by other coaches - Matt Cassel did a quick kick in the gale game against the Bills in week 17, although that came on third down.

You mean another example of Belichick stealing, right? After all Kordell Stewart quick-kicked a number of times when he was with the Steelers.

You're both missing the point. It's not who did it first, it's the fact that Belichick has done it recently. He wasn't the first coach ever to start going for it more on 4th down, either. If the Patriots ran a triple reverse and it worked, you'd see somebody else try it within the next couple of weeks. I'm not saying he's especially innovative, I'm saying he's influential.

You're really overestimated Belichick here. While I agree that someone would copy the triple reverse if it worked, it because everyone in the NFL copies everything that's successful whether Belichick or any other coach does it.

You have to remember that people have the memories of goldfish, bentley. To some people, no one did anything more than 5 years ago.Hell, Joe Washington did a quick kick out of the wishbone formation against Texas in 1975 that went for 76 yards. I guess everyone follows Barry Switzer's example.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

They would have gone for it if they saw a coverage they liked or a personnel matchup they like. After Ben decided he didn't like the look he decided to quick kick.

And worst case they have no one back to field it.

that's how I saw it

Totally see your point, I guess my concern was more looking out for Ben's health especially coming off a concussion.However, could you imagine the venom thrown Tomlin's way if Ben seriously injures himself?

Why not do exactly what you said, except instead of the quick punt, call a timeout and let the punter do his job.

You cant make decisions based on being scared of criticism. Given the conditions and going into the open endzone a FG was off the table. Berger isnt a great punter. Going for it was plausible given the field position. If there wasnt the right coverage, you do the quickkick and dont have to worry about Sproels or anybody else trying to return the kick. Pinned them down and got ourselves our own punt return for a TD. Looked good to me.

 

[puckalicious]

I can't remember the last time this season that the Steeler punter had a punt downed inside the 10. It was a thing of beauty.

I am not saying it was a bad punt, more discussing whether an extra 10-15 yards in field position is worth putting Ben in a position to get injured.

I don't buy that. If the coaching staff feels like that play is an advantage, then you do it. So to answer your question, I guess it is worth the risk.What risk are you talking about though. It's a little ridiculous to think he'd end up getting some serious injury for punting the ball. If you make up scenarios for that, you can make up a million of them. Maybe he should have slept at the stadium all week in case he got in a car accident on the way home.I'm serious, do you think driving to and from work for 6 days and getting in an accident is about the same percentage of Ben getting hurt on 1 specific punt play, I do.You should have written a post about the block he made in the game. Did you see where he made a big block to help a runner get around end?I'll tell you right now there was WAY more of a chance of him hurting a shoulder, a finger, a knee to the head than him punting the ball. Before you start stopping the punt play due to worry of getting injured, let's start with not picking up 250 pound linebackers who are in full speed ready to rip his head off.

You are grossly underestimating the chance of Big Ben getting hurt again driving. He is a horrible driver and likes to ride his motorcycle with no helmet. I sure the Steelers would spring for a chauffer if they could.

He rides his motorcycle in January? In Ohio? I'd say his chances of death are 100%.Seriously though, using the most recent accident statistics for the entire country, as Americans we average 1 accident every 450,000 miles. For fatal accidents (driver or passengers) it is about 1 death every 80 million miles traveled. This is for all vehicle types, so on a motorcycle the odds are definitely worse but I couldn't find a breakdown by type.

 

[Ralph Furley]

They would have gone for it if they saw a coverage they liked or a personnel matchup they like. After Ben decided he didn't like the look he decided to quick kick.

And worst case they have no one back to field it.

that's how I saw it

Totally see your point, I guess my concern was more looking out for Ben's health especially coming off a concussion.However, could you imagine the venom thrown Tomlin's way if Ben seriously injures himself?

Why not do exactly what you said, except instead of the quick punt, call a timeout and let the punter do his job.

You cant make decisions based on being scared of criticism. Given the conditions and going into the open endzone a FG was off the table. Berger isnt a great punter. Going for it was plausible given the field position. If there wasnt the right coverage, you do the quickkick and dont have to worry about Sproels or anybody else trying to return the kick. Pinned them down and got ourselves our own punt return for a TD. Looked good to me.

It is not a matter of being scared of criticism, more that I don't believe the risk is worth taking for an additional 10-15 yards in field position even if there is a less than 1% chance of injury. It is an aggressive call, which is why you don't see it very often, taken with Ben's injury history, made me question the call. IMO, Ben is too valuable to fool around with. For me the risk/reward is not there, but I understand people who have a differing opinion. And if you wanted to go for it or try and draw the D offsides, you still could have done it without taking a chance to injury or just botching the whole play by either A) Calling a TO or B) Taking a delay of game penalty given the field position.

As far as those who are comparing it to accidents off the field, seriously? As a head coach I only control decisions ON THE FIELD, which makes that argument complete nonsense.

Oh and the ? My point is not that you are likely to get injured, more that getting injured in that fashion is such an unnecessary risk, therefore in the off case he does, any explanation would sound foolish.