Questionable Mangini decision concerning on-side kick. (1 Viewer)

[kentric]

With the Buffalo Bills down by 8 points with slightly over one minute left and Buffalo kicking off, why was Matt Chatham (a backup LB) doing in the middle of the field in what was a 100% on-side kick situation?

Chatham ended up trying to field the ball prior to it going 10 yards and it wasn't played properly and Buffalo recovered. Buffalo ended up losing the ball on downs.

What in the world were the special teams coach and Mangini thinking?

Quote from Chatham, "Obviously I'm not up there to catch the ball." Then why was he up there? To block for a return?

Anyone have any insight on this which would clarify why he was in there or was it just poor planning?

 

[Chase Stuart]

With the Buffalo Bills down by 8 points with slightly over one minute left and Buffalo kicking off, why was Matt Chatham (a backup LB) doing in the middle of the field in what was a 100% on-side kick situation? Chatham ended up trying to field the ball prior to it going 10 yards and it wasn't played properly and Buffalo recovered. Buffalo ended up losing the ball on downs.What in the world were the special teams coach and Mangini thinking?Quote from Chatham, "Obviously I'm not up there to catch the ball." Then why was he up there? To block for a return?Anyone have any insight on this which would clarify why he was in there or was it just poor planning?

That's Mike Westhoff's job, not Eric Mangini's. Westhoff runs the special teams, and I'm guessing he was in there for a good reason. I agree that on the surface it seems funny, but Westhoff is one of the top ST coaches in the league, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.Interesting question, though. I don't expect that we'll hear an answer about it this week.

 

[SKribbles]

Is he not up there to block opposing players while his teammates pick up the ball behind him? Normally onsides kicks actually make it over the ten yard minimum.

 

[WhoDat]

He is up there to block and keep a defender or two from getting to the football.

 

[MeVsMaradona]

Yea, those who have played football know this one. Im guessing he was up in the front line? If so he was there to slaughter the first guy that gets to the 10 or whoever is about to recovers the onside kick. Guy jumps up, this guy owns him so he teamates behind him can catch it easlier.

 

[Buckychudd]

He is up there to block and keep a defender or two from getting to the football.

Usually they have a guy or two that just plow over the recieving team's hands guys, the kicking teams hands guys follow them and recover the ball. Obviously it didn't work as planned.