Lovie Smith just gave up (1 Viewer)

[Schrute]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.

Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?

The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?

He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

 

[Da Guru]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I did not see it but if that is the case it was a huge blunder.

 

[Max Power]

there was about 17 seconds left when they took the final knee

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

 

[Schrute]

there was about 17 seconds left when they took the final knee

OK. So they call timeout right there and the Vikes have to punt. They can block it, run it back, who knows what? But Lovie gives up???????

 

[shadyridr]

Wow this really happened?

 

[Schrute]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

there was about 17 seconds left when they took the final knee

OK. So they call timeout right there and the Vikes have to punt. They can block it, run it back, who knows what? But Lovie gives up???????

I thought he took the knee with 8 seconds left.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

I for one saw a plethora of examples of fine coaching on the part of the Bears last night. What\'s their record, 12-2?

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

 

[Schrute]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

 

[reg]

1-10-MIN 39 (1:38) T.Jackson kneels to MIN 38 for -1 yards (Team).

2-11-MIN 38 58) T.Jackson kneels to MIN 37 for -1 yards (Team).

3-12-MIN 37 15) T.Jackson kneels to MIN 36 for -1 yards (Team).

 

[Da Guru]

It does not matter, in the NFL if you are down by one score or less you never pack it in.

Down by 9-10 I understand, down by 7 it is inexcusable. Too many variables still left.

1. Mishandled snap on punt

2. Blocked punt

3. Punt return for TD

4. FC and throw it up for grabs

5. Hook and ladder with laterals all over the place.

6. Penalty in the Vikes on a hail mary throw giving the Bears one last play.

 

[Lord of Football]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Lovie is horrible

 

[BusMan]

He Schruted it.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

 

[PsychoMan]

there was about 17 seconds left when they took the final knee

yepi couldn't believe it either. idiotic. everything about this team pisses me off this yr.

 

[Schrute]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.

Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?

The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?

He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

ESPN Classic down?I fire the coach for giving up on his team, his fans, the entire organization. Of course, he first did that when he started Kyle Orton.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

It does not matter, in the NFL if you are down by one score or less you never pack it in.Down by 9-10 I understand, down by 7 it is inexcusable. Too many variables still left.1. Mishandled snap on punt2. Blocked punt3. Punt return for TD4. FC and throw it up for grabs5. Hook and ladder with laterals all over the place.6. Penalty in the Vikes on a hail mary throw giving the Bears one last play.

Exactly. It's almost as if Lovie WANTS to get fired.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.

Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?

The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?

He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

ESPN Classic down?I fire the coach for giving up on his team, his fans, the entire organization. Of course, he first did that when he started Kyle Orton.

Well to each his own, me I would not fire Lovie over this, I think you are over reacting. Also please site me games where teams have blocked punts and run them back to win as time expires.

 

[Max Power]

there was about 17 seconds left when they took the final knee

yepi couldn't believe it either. idiotic. everything about this team pisses me off this yr.

Its Clear they are playing for a draft pick

 

[Schrute]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.

Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?

The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?

He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

ESPN Classic down?I fire the coach for giving up on his team, his fans, the entire organization. Of course, he first did that when he started Kyle Orton.

Well to each his own, me I would not fire Lovie over this, I think you are over reacting. Also please site me games where teams have blocked punts and run them back to win as time expires.

Crazy things happen. The Eagles guy fumbling the snap trying to run the clock out back in the day. There are tons of examples. But to ask for a specific example or talk about how remote the possibility is here is completely missing the point. The point is, it wasn't a zero percent chance. You have to try everything you can to make something happen because you have nothing to lose. You don't just quit. You don't just give up. For you to sit here and ask for some example is idiotic.

 

[shadyridr]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.

Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?

The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?

He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

ESPN Classic down?I fire the coach for giving up on his team, his fans, the entire organization. Of course, he first did that when he started Kyle Orton.

Well to each his own, me I would not fire Lovie over this, I think you are over reacting. Also please site me games where teams have blocked punts and run them back to win as time expires.

Would they have had enough time to run one play and do a whole bunch of laterals like the Saints did vs Jacksonville a few years ago?

 

[Schrute]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.

Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?

The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?

He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

ESPN Classic down?I fire the coach for giving up on his team, his fans, the entire organization. Of course, he first did that when he started Kyle Orton.

Well to each his own, me I would not fire Lovie over this, I think you are over reacting. Also please site me games where teams have blocked punts and run them back to win as time expires.

Would they have had enough time to run one play and do a whole bunch of laterals like the Saints did vs Jacksonville a few years ago?

Or how about the Music City Miracle?

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.

Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?

The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?

He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

ESPN Classic down?I fire the coach for giving up on his team, his fans, the entire organization. Of course, he first did that when he started Kyle Orton.

Well to each his own, me I would not fire Lovie over this, I think you are over reacting. Also please site me games where teams have blocked punts and run them back to win as time expires.

Crazy things happen. The Eagles guy fumbling the snap trying to run the clock out back in the day. There are tons of examples. But to ask for a specific example or talk about how remote the possibility is here is completely missing the point. The point is, it wasn't a zero percent chance. You have to try everything you can to make something happen because you have nothing to lose. You don't just quit. You don't just give up. For you to sit here and ask for some example is idiotic.

The only thing idiotic in this thread is someone saying they would fire Lovie Smith over not calling a timeout in a game he could not win. But like I said, to each his own, you are entitled to your opinion just as I am.

 

[shadyridr]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.

Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?

The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?

He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

I think he figured the Vikes would just punt it out of bounds on the bears like 20 yrd line. Giving the bears maybe 2 seconds with Orton to go 80 yards. I guess he figured the odds were greater someone would get hurt then the Bears score, and I agree, the season was over.

I'm sorry, but that just doesn't cut it. You're the defending NFC champions and you're so worried about someone getting hurt on one play that you decide to officially eliminate yourselves from the playoffs? That is absolute BS. What a terrible leader.

They werent going to punt to Hester. So I suppose you can try and block it and pick it up and run it back. But the vikes prolly max protect it. The point is, with no time and really no chance that Hester can get. Im guessing Lovie figured his chances of winning were less then 1%, which he was right. Add to that, the Bears would need to win more games with Orton, eeek.

Are you kidding me with this? Then why play the game?????????? I don't care if it's a one in a billion chance. You take it. You don't just lie down and quit.

Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

ESPN Classic down?I fire the coach for giving up on his team, his fans, the entire organization. Of course, he first did that when he started Kyle Orton.

Well to each his own, me I would not fire Lovie over this, I think you are over reacting. Also please site me games where teams have blocked punts and run them back to win as time expires.

Would they have had enough time to run one play and do a whole bunch of laterals like the Saints did vs Jacksonville a few years ago?

Or how about the Music City Miracle?

That was a kick return. Im asking if they wouldve had time to run one offensive play like the Saints did.

 

[Schrute]

That was a kick return. Im asking if they wouldve had time to run one offensive play like the Saints did.

Yes. Especially if the Vikings punted out of bounds.

 

[Schrute]

The only thing idiotic in this thread is someone saying they would fire Lovie Smith over not calling a timeout in a game he could not win. But like I said, to each his own, you are entitled to your opinion just as I am.

Sure, you're entitled to your opinion, but this statement is simply factually incorrect.

 

[NoCheese]

Despite the long odds, it's inexcusable. Is it worth being fired over? I'm not ready to go that far; however, I view this as a potential "last straw" if management is already disenchanted with him. Since that's likely not the case, I don't see this being an issue.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

The only thing idiotic in this thread is someone saying they would fire Lovie Smith over not calling a timeout in a game he could not win. But like I said, to each his own, you are entitled to your opinion just as I am.

Sure, you're entitled to your opinion, but this statement is simply factually incorrect.

fine fine substitute "could not" for "beyond a miracle" and then I'm good? Like I said, there is plenty of reasons to fire a coach, this isn't one of them (my opinion of course).

 

[Schrute]

The only thing idiotic in this thread is someone saying they would fire Lovie Smith over not calling a timeout in a game he could not win. But like I said, to each his own, you are entitled to your opinion just as I am.

Sure, you're entitled to your opinion, but this statement is simply factually incorrect.

fine fine substitute "no" for "beyond a miracle" and then I'm good? Like I said, there is plenty of reasons to fire a coach, this isn't one of them (my opinion of course).

We obviously have different standards. You have no problem just giving up in the face of long odds, and I would expect more out of a head coach being paid millions of dollars to do his job. That's fine. To each his own.

 

[Road Warriors]

...Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

It's not because the lost the game. Its because, as a leader, you can't quit. EVER!!! Your charges will now KNOW its OK to quit whenever its not very likely they'll win. If your leadership quits, why should the ground troops, whose bodies are on the line, even try?The fact is, though extremely remote, there was a chance to make a play. To not take that chance is inexcusable. Do you understand the difference here? Its not the particular game that is the problem. Its the fact that this coach has now made it OK for his team to lie down and quit.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

...Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

It's not because the lost the game. Its because, as a leader, you can't quit. EVER!!! Your charges will now KNOW its OK to quit whenever its not very likely they'll win. If your leadership quits, why should the ground troops, whose bodies are on the line, even try?The fact is, though extremely remote, there was a chance to make a play. To not take that chance is inexcusable. Do you understand the difference here? Its not the particular game that is the problem. Its the fact that this coach has now made it OK for his team to lie down and quit.

What can I say, I still dont fire him. Apparenly I am the only one who thinks this, well me and the Bears ownership I guess.

 

[zDwinger]

Forgive me if this is in the game thread, but I'm not reading through that whole thing, and I think this deserves its own thread anyway.Explain to me why at the end of the game when Lovie Smith could've called timeout to force the Vikings to punt to the most dangerous returner in the game down by just seven points, he decided to just give up instead?The announcers said the Bears had one timeout left. The Vikings then kneeled down on third down with like 10 seconds left or something. How do the Bears not call timeout there?He should be fired immediately. They were still alive for the playoffs if they won, and he just gave up. I don't care how remote the possibility is that you block the punt or run it all the way back, but you certainly have to try with your whole season hanging in the balance. But he decided to not use his final timeout and just gave up instead.

If they had to punt the ball would be no where near Hester.

 

[zDwinger]

...Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

It's not because the lost the game. Its because, as a leader, you can't quit. EVER!!! Your charges will now KNOW its OK to quit whenever its not very likely they'll win. If your leadership quits, why should the ground troops, whose bodies are on the line, even try?The fact is, though extremely remote, there was a chance to make a play. To not take that chance is inexcusable. Do you understand the difference here? Its not the particular game that is the problem. Its the fact that this coach has now made it OK for his team to lie down and quit.

What can I say, I still dont fire him. Apparenly I am the only one who thinks this, well me and the Bears ownership I guess.

I see no reason to fire him. Of course the people on the boards who have more experience and expertise than the people paid to do it disagree.

 

[Schrute]

...Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

It's not because the lost the game. Its because, as a leader, you can't quit. EVER!!! Your charges will now KNOW its OK to quit whenever its not very likely they'll win. If your leadership quits, why should the ground troops, whose bodies are on the line, even try?The fact is, though extremely remote, there was a chance to make a play. To not take that chance is inexcusable. Do you understand the difference here? Its not the particular game that is the problem. Its the fact that this coach has now made it OK for his team to lie down and quit.

What can I say, I still dont fire him. Apparenly I am the only one who thinks this, well me and the Bears ownership I guess.

I see no reason to fire him. Of course the people on the boards who have more experience and expertise than the people paid to do it disagree.

I love when people trot out the old "you're no expert" line on these boards. So what? I'm not a math professor, but I know that two plus two equals four. It doesn't take an "expert" to know that coaches are paid to try to win the games. Just ask Herm.

 

[Road Warriors]

...Hey I am not saying this was the greatest coaching move ever, or that I wouldnt have called the TO. But your belief is the Bears superbowl runner up coach should be fired becuase he didnt call the timeout in a game he had no chance of winning realistically. They werent going to punt to Hester, how exactly were the Bears going to score with no time? And dont tell we they are going to block it and run it back 60 yards to win as this happens at the conclusion of a game never ever ever. So how they going to win? You firing the Coach over this... You kidding me with this?

It's not because the lost the game. Its because, as a leader, you can't quit. EVER!!! Your charges will now KNOW its OK to quit whenever its not very likely they'll win. If your leadership quits, why should the ground troops, whose bodies are on the line, even try?The fact is, though extremely remote, there was a chance to make a play. To not take that chance is inexcusable. Do you understand the difference here? Its not the particular game that is the problem. Its the fact that this coach has now made it OK for his team to lie down and quit.

What can I say, I still dont fire him. Apparenly I am the only one who thinks this, well me and the Bears ownership I guess.

I tend to be more middle of the road, too. I don't expect or even recommend a firing because of this one incident. But to blow this off as nothing, they couldn't win the game anyway, I think is also shortsighted. I think this does reflect badly on his leadership. I think this does have some bad implications for the Bears going forward under Lovie. And it's one more data point for ownership to evaluate as they begin their offseason.

 

[meeka]

Not calling a TO = 0% chance to win.

Call a TO and that % goes up. Not by much, but you still have to call the TO.

 

[footballnerd]

So they punt it out of bounds and Kyle Orton leads them back to a win??? You trippin.....Lovie saw how that lame excuse for a QB was playing. And even if they did make the playoffs that fool would lose it for them. Call it a year and get ready for the draft. Only ones complaining are those who lost their fantasy game because of it.

 

[reg]

So they punt it out of bounds and Kyle Orton leads them back to a win??? You trippin.....Lovie saw how that lame excuse for a QB was playing. And even if they did make the playoffs that fool would lose it for them. Call it a year and get ready for the draft. Only ones complaining are those who lost their fantasy game because of it.

a few plays before I saw a deep ball to berrian that could have been....

 

[plymkr]

Not only did the Bears screw up by not calling the TO and having a chance, the Vikings should have run out the clock completely. By snapping the ball before the play clock expired the Vikings actually allowed for this Bear screw up. Imagine if the Bears do call TO on 4th down and force the Vikes to punt...we would be talking about what a blunder by the Vikes because they could have run out the clock.

 

[TitusIII]

Maybe the Bears didn't want to win? j/k, but why screw up draft position at this point...

Anyway, Lovie is the best thing to hit Chicago football in quite some time, and he deserves a pass due to the rash of injuries that no other coach could survive. Stupid move, but I'll take the tank train all day...

 

[rick6668]

Any coach who doesn't understand that they should use their last timeout when the other team will need to punt in a game where they are down by 7 points shouldn't be a coach in the NFL.

This is basic time management. It amazes me how poorly some of these guys are when it comes to this.

Any chance, ANY chance is better than no chance. This is a reasonable chance they were not down by 9 points.

Saying he shouldn't be fired is fine, if that's your opinion, but defending this call is unreal. There is NO defense of how bad of a call this is. Teams have scored on numerous occasions on the last play of the game or with less than 20 seconds left.

Give your team a chance, don't just give up.

 

[footballnerd]

So they punt it out of bounds and Kyle Orton leads them back to a win??? You trippin.....Lovie saw how that lame excuse for a QB was playing. And even if they did make the playoffs that fool would lose it for them. Call it a year and get ready for the draft. Only ones complaining are those who lost their fantasy game because of it.

a few plays before I saw a deep ball to berrian that could have been....

Yah I saw that, Berrian was wide open if he led him to the right, but instead that fool made Berrian turn and allowed Sharper a chance to intercept it. Lame....

 

[Schrute]

So they punt it out of bounds and Kyle Orton leads them back to a win??? You trippin.....Lovie saw how that lame excuse for a QB was playing. And even if they did make the playoffs that fool would lose it for them. Call it a year and get ready for the draft. Only ones complaining are those who lost their fantasy game because of it.

Wrong. Nice try, though. Thanks for the input.

 

[SuperJohn96]

It does not matter, in the NFL if you are down by one score or less you never pack it in.

Down by 9-10 I understand, down by 7 it is inexcusable. Too many variables still left.

1. Mishandled snap on punt

2. Blocked punt

3. Punt return for TD

4. FC and throw it up for grabs

5. Hook and ladder with laterals all over the place.

6. Penalty in the Vikes on a hail mary throw giving the Bears one last play.

But exactly what is less than one score?

 

[footballnerd]

Not only did the Bears screw up by not calling the TO and having a chance, the Vikings should have run out the clock completely. By snapping the ball before the play clock expired the Vikings actually allowed for this Bear screw up. Imagine if the Bears do call TO on 4th down and force the Vikes to punt...we would be talking about what a blunder by the Vikes because they could have run out the clock.

Maybe Vegas talked to both teams prior to the game.

 

[TitusIII]

So they punt it out of bounds and Kyle Orton leads them back to a win??? You trippin.....Lovie saw how that lame excuse for a QB was playing. And even if they did make the playoffs that fool would lose it for them. Call it a year and get ready for the draft. Only ones complaining are those who lost their fantasy game because of it.

a few plays before I saw a deep ball to berrian that could have been....

Yah I saw that, Berrian was wide open if he led him to the right, but instead that fool made Berrian turn and allowed Sharper a chance to intercept it. Lame....

If Berrian had the ability to adjust to the thrown ball(he doesn't 99% of the time, he actually gives up most of the time) he could have made a play on it. Orton launched that sucker 60 yards, give him a break for missing 3 yards to the left...

 

[SuperJohn96]

Maybe the Bears didn't want to win? j/k, but why screw up draft position at this point...

Anyway, Lovie is the best thing to hit Chicago football in quite some time, and he deserves a pass due to the rash of injuries that no other coach could survive. Stupid move, but I'll take the tank train all day...

Former Bears and current Bills coach would disagree with this statement.