Scoreboard "malfunction" caused Cundiff to rush his kick (1 Viewer)

[Philo]

http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/features/2011/nfl_2011/conference_championships/billy_cundiff_the_ravens_kicker_rushed_his_kick_because_of_an_error_on_the_gillette_stadium_scoreboard_.html

When we last left our hero—OK, our protagonist—Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff was explaining his fatal, last-second field-goal attempt against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Cundiff admitted that he was late getting on to the field. The play clock ticked toward zero. Cundiff rushed the kick. He missed. He took responsibility.

What was unclear was why Cundiff was running late. Before we examine what happened—I spoke again to Cundiff and to a Ravens executive—it’s helpful to understand how kickers prepare to kick field goals. As you might expect, it’s not haphazard. These guys have precise routines, both physical and mental, for when the offense enters field-goal range.

Here’s Cundiff’s: On first down, Cundiff, his snapper, and his holder gather with Ravens kicking consultant Randy Brown near the practice net on the opponent’s half of the field. They execute four or five snaps and holds, and Cundiff, taking no steps, lightly kicks the ball to Brown eight yards away. On second down, Cundiff moves to the Ravens’ end of the field, around the 40-yard line. The kicker faces the goalposts at which he’ll be aiming and kicks “on air,” with no ball, looking up at the distant markers. From far away, the goalposts look narrow; when Cundiff runs on the field, they look wider. “It’s a little mind game,” he says.

On third down, still around the Ravens’ 40, Cundiff imagines the upcoming kick a single time. He moves closer to the sideline to prepare to enter the game and waits for the third-down play to finish. If it’s unsuccessful, Cundiff waits to hear Brown and Ravens special-teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg shout, “Field goal! Field goal!” and then makes his entrance.

Because the sidelines of an NFL game are crowded—scores of players, coaches, staff, and game officials, a tangle of benches, equipment, and cables, all crammed between the two 30-yard lines—the best way to follow down and distance, and to watch the plays, is on the scoreboard, which is how Cundiff coordinates his pre-kick routine. On Sunday, during what would be the Ravens’ final set of downs, Cundiff completed his first-down prep and checked the scoreboard: second down. He ran through his routine and looked up at the scoreboard again: third down.

Then, suddenly, chaos on the sidelines. Coaches were screaming—from the opposite end of the field to where Cundiff was thinking his third-down pre-kick kicker thoughts—for the field-goal unit. The play clock was ticking and Cundiff, as per normal, was back from the sideline and farther from the line of scrimmage than his teammates. As he was not expecting to go in yet, he had to run to get into position for a game-tying kick.

Cundiff told me he initially thought he was at fault, that he had looked at the scoreboard too early, before the down number had been changed. In fact, the Gillette Stadium scoreboard was off by a down. On Monday, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs told ESPN that Ravens players thought the team had made a first down after receiver Anquan Boldin fumbled out of bounds on first-and-10 from the Patriots’ 23-yard line. Instead, the ball was marked where Boldin had lost it, a yard short of a first down. On second and third downs—which the scoreboard said were first and second—the Ravens threw unsuccessfully into the end zone. Ravens P.R. director Kevin Byrne told me—and Cundiff later learned—that team officials watched the All-22 video of the game on Monday and confirmed the scoreboard malfunction.

The Ravens, of course, could have made all this confusion moot by calling a timeout. Instead, coach John Harbaugh decided to let Cundiff run on the field and kick.

But back to the scoreboard. Was the error on the Gillette Stadium board an honest mistake made by a confused Patriots employee? Or were there darker forces at work here—a little Belichickian Machiavellianism to confuse the opposition with a Super Bowl berth on the line? Cundiff blames no one but himself for the miss. But he's relieved to know he wasn’t seeing things on the stadium scoreboard.

 

[todisco1]

Lol. Probably just a mistake. But Bellicheck doesn't get the benefit of the doubt anymore.

 

[Workhorse]

There are down markers on the field for a reason.

 

[Fire the Fat Man]

Belicheat at it again. unreal.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Harbaugh was afraid to ice his own kicker but should have used the timeout.

 

[Tau837]

Harbaugh was afraid to ice his own kicker but should have used the timeout.

 

[AmosMoses]

Scoreboardgate!!!!

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Even if this was true, its still not on Belecheat. Harbaugh had plenty of time to use their time-out. He didn't. He decided to allow his kicker to rush out and rush the kick, to get it off in time.

 

[AB in DC]

Has anyone here actually been to a live football game? These scoreboard mistakes happen all the time. I don't even look at the scoreboards any more.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

If you see your kicker running onto the field and the team is scrambling to set up...call timeout. Play it safe. That's on the coaching staff. It was clear the play was being rushed several seconds before the kick took place.

But above all of that...he should have made it. It wasn't a 50-yarder.

 

[duaneok66]

any mistake is considered cheating now . . . got it.

 

[Donsmith753]

I don't discount the possibility that the operator as a NE fan had something to do with this.

BB certainly did not, he's not a sith lord.

Spoiler

Atleast I don't think so

 

[HughHoney]

Wow pretty crazy. I don't think it was cheating. I dont blame the misunderstanding on him missing it. But it sounds like a lot of people on the sideline thought they had another down which obviously caused some serious confusion. Wasn't there a Big 12 game years ago, maybe involving Colorado, where the ref on the sideline using the down marker didn't change it and a team scored on 5th down? If you're on the sideline maybe you think the scoreboard is correct and sideline has it wrong.

Harbaugh shoulda used the TO but the fear of being the 2nd coach to ice his own kicker in one season probably prevented him from doing so. To much pride to be made to look like a fool with those Harbaugh boys.

 

[Godsbrother]

Hey Cundiff --> (what happened to the "point to the shirt" smiley ?)

 

[ivnabru]

If this is true I think it would be smart in the future for the Ravens to hire someone to keep track of downs.

 

[Silver & Black]

lol at icing the kicker on a 32 yarder.

And yes, I have no doubt Belicheck and the cheating Patriots were behing this, those tuck rule, spygate, scoreboardgate bastards!

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Lol. Probably just a mistake. But Bellicheck doesn't get the benefit of the doubt anymore.

This. Most likely an honest error, but it wouldn't be weird or crazy for somebody to assume that it was deliberate cheating. It's not like this franchise doesn't have a history here.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Those cheating Pats probably also drugged John Harbaugh so that he wouldn't use his last timeout so his kicker didn't need to "rush".

 

[bostonfred]

If I were in charge of the scoreboard, id hope id be smart enough to do this

 

[Da Guru]

Without the QB on the field watching the play clock is was up to Harbaugh or Cameron to see that time was running out and everything was too rushed. If a TO was called and Cundiff was set and settled he makes that kick over 90% of the time. Hell..they would have been better off with a DOG..5 yards does not mean squat at that distance.

 

[Wadsworth]

I am going to keep an eye on this thread as I would love for someone to come up with a reasonable argument for accusing the Pats of cheating again. Sadly, so far it does not look like this situation qualifies, but I am holding out hope.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

The Belichick hate runs pretty thick here.

 

[Bayhawks]

If I were in charge of the scoreboard, id hope id be smart enough to do this

So let me get this straight.The scoreboard was off by a down. Many of the Ravens (according to Suggs) were also off, because they believed Boldin had gotten a first down previously. So, Cundiff's pre-kick routine was thrown off by this. And some people want to believe that this was somehow a Belicheck scheme to screw with Cundiff? Okay.1-If Raven players were mistaken by the down, why is it unbelievable to think the scoreboard operator was, as well?2-Who really thinks that the Belicheck and the scoreboard operator knew about Cundiff's pre-kick routine?3-Who really thinks Belicheck had some kind of special meeting with his scoreboard operator to plan this type of event? BB-Okay, here's the plan. If we somehow get into a situation where there's going to be a late field goal, several plays in advance, I'll give you the signal, and I want you to purposely put the wrong down on the scoreboard.Scoreboard guy-Uh, ok. What's the signal?BB-I'm going to look constipated on the sideline.Scoreboard-

 

[Shutout]

No, what REALLY happened was that Cundiff was wearing a pair of sweat pants and HE was scrambling to try to get them off and get out there. HE rushed himself and then the coach didn't call a timeout.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Harbaugh was afraid to ice his own kicker but should have used the timeout.

and its not icing if you call it with at least a few seconds left.

 

[skedssays]

The Chain Gang

The Chain Gang is part of the officiating crew and they are in charge the chains. The chains are used for measuring and are placed along the sidelines of the field. The chains are used by the officials to mark the ball placement on the field so everyone will know how far the offense has to go to make a first down or a touch down. The chain gang also keeps track of what down it is and they have a counter that is large and visible to the officials and everyone on the field and to the fans in the stadium and to the TV audience. This counter tells everyone what down it is and it changes as the down changes. The chain gang is a very important part of the officiating crew and they must mark the ball after every play and when a first down is made they will move the chains up and down the field as the play on the field is happening.

Anyone have any screencaps of the chain gang during this time. They're supposed to be the official source in case of "scoreboard malfunction"

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

The Belichick hate runs pretty thick here.

People don't like winners if they aren't a fan of that team. Yankees, Nascar Jimmy Johnson, etc

 

[dhockster]

I don't discount the possibility that the operator as a NE fan had something to do with this.BB certainly did not, he's not a sith lord.

Spoiler

Atleast I don't think so

I don't know if he's a sith lord, but remember, the emperor did wear a hoody, so it's definitely possible.

 

[Carver]

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I don't discount the possibility that the operator as a NE fan had something to do with this.BB certainly did not, he's not a sith lord.

Spoiler

Atleast I don't think so

I don't know if he's a sith lord, but remember, the emperor did wear a hoody, so it's definitely possible."these are not the loss excuses you are looking for"

 

[AmosMoses]

Get HFA and Ravens fans will need a different excuse.

 

[johnnycakes]

Now I'm convinced. Baltimore should go to the SB and not the Patriots.

 

[thatguy]

Hey Cundiff --> (what happened to the "point to the shirt" smiley ?)

Hey, Gobsbrother, read the article. Even after all of that, Cundiff still blames himself.

 

[Shane Falco]

More likely the guy who drove the snowplow against Miami is now operating the scoreboard

 

[Sarnoff]

Wasn't there a Big 12 game years ago, maybe involving Colorado, where the ref on the sideline using the down marker didn't change it and a team scored on 5th down? If you're on the sideline maybe you think the scoreboard is correct and sideline has it wrong.

So you can't trust the sticks, you can't trust the refs, you can't trust the scoreboard operator... NFL really should figure out a workable system before something really embarrassing happens in a Super Bowl.As far as this incident, no, I don't think Belichick goes up to the scoreboard operator before the game and specifically says "Hey, if there's a situation late in the game where you can be a little slow updating down-and-distance when Baltimore is driving, do it." But he does foster the culture of corruption and cheating within the organization that makes the scoreboard operator think on his own that if he does do something like this to screw over the visiting team, he'll be commended and rewarded for it.

 

[Phlash]

Wasn't there a Big 12 game years ago, maybe involving Colorado, where the ref on the sideline using the down marker didn't change it and a team scored on 5th down? If you're on the sideline maybe you think the scoreboard is correct and sideline has it wrong.

So you can't trust the sticks, you can't trust the refs, you can't trust the scoreboard operator... NFL really should figure out a workable system before something really embarrassing happens in a Super Bowl.As far as this incident, no, I don't think Belichick goes up to the scoreboard operator before the game and specifically says "Hey, if there's a situation late in the game where you can be a little slow updating down-and-distance when Baltimore is driving, do it." But he does foster the culture of corruption and cheating within the organization that makes the scoreboard operator think on his own that if he does do something like this to screw over the visiting team, he'll be commended and rewarded for it.

You don't honestly think this do you? Seriously? How old are the posters on this board again?This is something I'd expect a 15 year old conspiracy theorist to believe.

 

[bostonfred]

New england: even our scoreboard operators are better.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

maybe there are some pats fans at buffalo wild wings.

ps

could we get this thread stickied for all eternity?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Smart scoreboard operators probably do this everywhere. Harbaugh is still the ####### who didn't use his timeout to give his kicker time to go through his usual routine in preparation for the most important kick of the year.

This is a non-story.

 

[John Bender]

Scoreboard operators are employed by the NFL, not individual teams, just like the chain gang, etc? Amiright?

 

[eric rymer]

maybe there are some pats fans at buffalo wild wings.

Now that's funny. If Lee Evans secures the freakin football like he is supposed to it's a TD and we're not having this conversation.

 

[Sarnoff]

Wasn't there a Big 12 game years ago, maybe involving Colorado, where the ref on the sideline using the down marker didn't change it and a team scored on 5th down? If you're on the sideline maybe you think the scoreboard is correct and sideline has it wrong.

So you can't trust the sticks, you can't trust the refs, you can't trust the scoreboard operator... NFL really should figure out a workable system before something really embarrassing happens in a Super Bowl.As far as this incident, no, I don't think Belichick goes up to the scoreboard operator before the game and specifically says "Hey, if there's a situation late in the game where you can be a little slow updating down-and-distance when Baltimore is driving, do it." But he does foster the culture of corruption and cheating within the organization that makes the scoreboard operator think on his own that if he does do something like this to screw over the visiting team, he'll be commended and rewarded for it.

You don't honestly think this do you? Seriously? How old are the posters on this board again?This is something I'd expect a 15 year old conspiracy theorist to believe.

You think the guy in the Snowplow game got fired? He got awarded the game ball by the coach after the game. The actual plow is hanging up in Gilette Stadium's Hall of Fame.Jeffrey Maier violated the ground rules & MLB rules at Yankee Stadium when he stole the ball out of an Oriole's glove to give Jeter a home run, and what'd he get? Box seats behind the Yankees dugout, an appearance on Letterman, and Rudy ####### Guliani gave him the Key to New York City.

Take your blinders off, kid. When this kind of thing happens to help the home team in their stadium, there's a little wink, a nudge, and a lot of thank yous from the team personnel and the fans.

 

[PatsFanCT]

maybe there are some pats fans at buffalo wild wings.

Now that's funny. If Lee Evans secures the freakin football like he is supposed to it's a TD and we're not having this conversation.

And if Brady hits Gronk for the sure TD in the first, a pass he makes 99 out of 100 times, Evens catch wouldn't matter. We can play this game all day long.

 

[PatsFanCT]

Wasn't there a Big 12 game years ago, maybe involving Colorado, where the ref on the sideline using the down marker didn't change it and a team scored on 5th down? If you're on the sideline maybe you think the scoreboard is correct and sideline has it wrong.

So you can't trust the sticks, you can't trust the refs, you can't trust the scoreboard operator... NFL really should figure out a workable system before something really embarrassing happens in a Super Bowl.As far as this incident, no, I don't think Belichick goes up to the scoreboard operator before the game and specifically says "Hey, if there's a situation late in the game where you can be a little slow updating down-and-distance when Baltimore is driving, do it." But he does foster the culture of corruption and cheating within the organization that makes the scoreboard operator think on his own that if he does do something like this to screw over the visiting team, he'll be commended and rewarded for it.

You don't honestly think this do you? Seriously? How old are the posters on this board again?This is something I'd expect a 15 year old conspiracy theorist to believe.

You think the guy in the Snowplow game got fired? He got awarded the game ball by the coach after the game. The actual plow is hanging up in Gilette Stadium's Hall of Fame.Jeffrey Maier violated the ground rules & MLB rules at Yankee Stadium when he stole the ball out of an Oriole's glove to give Jeter a home run, and what'd he get? Box seats behind the Yankees dugout, an appearance on Letterman, and Rudy ####### Guliani gave him the Key to New York City.

Take your blinders off, kid. When this kind of thing happens to help the home team in their stadium, there's a little wink, a nudge, and a lot of thank yous from the team personnel and the fans.

Fired for what? There was nothing in the rules about it, and he did what he was told to do. You'd fire a guy for that?

 

[Serenity Now]

Scoreboard operators are employed by the NFL, not individual teams, just like the chain gang, etc? Amiright?

Shhh, you'll ruin the fun for the others. And yes, you are right.So that means...the NFL wanted Baltimore to lose, there's your conspiracy.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Scoreboard operators are employed by the NFL, not individual teams, just like the chain gang, etc? Amiright?

Shhh, you'll ruin the fun for the others. And yes, you are right.So that means...the NFL wanted Baltimore to lose, there's your conspiracy.

Better TV ratings with New England in the Super Bowl.

 

[eric rymer]

maybe there are some pats fans at buffalo wild wings.

Now that's funny. If Lee Evans secures the freakin football like he is supposed to it's a TD and we're not having this conversation.

And if Brady hits Gronk for the sure TD in the first, a pass he makes 99 out of 100 times, Evens catch wouldn't matter. We can play this game all day long.

I was referring to what happened that directly related to the kick. The Lee Evens play was just two plays prior. If you want to point to something from the first quarter have at it but it's not the same thing. I'm not knocking the Pats. Great team and org and going to the SB. I just think the aftermath has been misdirected. Have a nice day.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

nothing like a home clock

 

[Sam Quentin]

A lot of Belichik Derangement Syndrome around here

 

[identikit]

Wasn't there a Big 12 game years ago, maybe involving Colorado, where the ref on the sideline using the down marker didn't change it and a team scored on 5th down? If you're on the sideline maybe you think the scoreboard is correct and sideline has it wrong.

So you can't trust the sticks, you can't trust the refs, you can't trust the scoreboard operator... NFL really should figure out a workable system before something really embarrassing happens in a Super Bowl.As far as this incident, no, I don't think Belichick goes up to the scoreboard operator before the game and specifically says "Hey, if there's a situation late in the game where you can be a little slow updating down-and-distance when Baltimore is driving, do it." But he does foster the culture of corruption and cheating within the organization that makes the scoreboard operator think on his own that if he does do something like this to screw over the visiting team, he'll be commended and rewarded for it.

You don't honestly think this do you? Seriously? How old are the posters on this board again?This is something I'd expect a 15 year old conspiracy theorist to believe.

You think the guy in the Snowplow game got fired? He got awarded the game ball by the coach after the game. The actual plow is hanging up in Gilette Stadium's Hall of Fame.Jeffrey Maier violated the ground rules & MLB rules at Yankee Stadium when he stole the ball out of an Oriole's glove to give Jeter a home run, and what'd he get? Box seats behind the Yankees dugout, an appearance on Letterman, and Rudy ####### Guliani gave him the Key to New York City.

Take your blinders off, kid. When this kind of thing happens to help the home team in their stadium, there's a little wink, a nudge, and a lot of thank yous from the team personnel and the fans.

Fired for what? There was nothing in the rules about it, and he did what he was told to do. You'd fire a guy for that?

I think he was already on work release.