Tag

Fourth Down

All articles tagged with #fourth down

sports20 days ago•7 min saved

Fourth-Down Frenzy: Analytics Pressure Reshapes a Super Bowl Era

A growing analytics-driven trend pushes teams to go for it on fourth down in opponent territory, with NFL teams converting about 57% and attempting 34% of such plays in 2025—the highest rate this century. The pattern is illustrated by the Broncos’ playoff gamble, the Patriots’ success, and Indiana’s national title via a fourth-down conversion. While analytics argue it increases win probability, critics like Mike Martz warn the emphasis on numbers can erode football’s human element.

via The New York Times|

#analytics #coaching-strategy #college-football

sports29 days ago•3 min saved

Vrabel on Fourth-Down Calls: Forecasting Points Needed to Win

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said fourth-down decisions are driven by predicting the flow of the game and how many points will be necessary to win. He noted coaches must weigh point value late in games and cited the AFC Championship context where Broncos coach Sean Payton went for it on fourth down instead of kicking a field goal, highlighting how factors like a backup quarterback and weather influence whether to kick or go for it.

via NBC Sports|

#afc-championship #fourth-down #game-strategy

sports1 month ago•10 min saved

Booger McFarland questions Payton, McVay fourth-down gambits on Championship Sunday

Booger McFarland criticized Sean Payton’s decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 at the Broncos’ 14 in the AFC Championship, arguing a 31-yard field goal would have extended the lead in worsening weather; he also questioned Sean McVay’s 4th-and-4 call at the Seahawks’ 6 late, suggesting a field goal would have put Seattle under pressure. The piece discusses the clash between analytics and in-game feel on Championship Sunday and suggests there’s validity to both coaches’ aggressive choices given the context.

via Awful Announcing|

#booger-mcfarland #field-goals #fourth-down

sports1 month ago•1 min saved

Late fourth-down gambles redefine the conference championships for Broncos and Rams

In the conference championship games, late fourth-down decisions and special-teams miscues shaped the outcomes: Rams coach Sean McVay's two questionable calls contributed to a 31-27 loss to the Seahawks, while the Broncos were undone by a snow-influenced, blocked field goal after a costly fourth-down attempt against the Patriots; a muffed punt by the Rams also set up a Seahawks score, underscoring how coaching and special teams decided the weekend's results.

via The Boston Globe|

#broncos #football #fourth-down

sports1 month ago•3 min saved

Broncos fall short as costly calls and snow sink AFC bid

Denver’s AFC Championship run ended 10-7 after costly in-game decisions by Sean Payton—especially going for it on 4th down instead of kicking a field goal—along with a key shovel-pass fumble by backup QB Jarrett Stidham, with winter weather amplifying mistakes and preventing Denver from capitalizing before the Patriots head to the Super Bowl.

via Mile High Report|

#afc-championship #denver-broncos #fourth-down

sports1 month ago•9 min saved

Broncos coach Payton takes the fall for costly fourth-down gamble

Denver's Sean Payton faced a pivotal second-quarter decision in the AFC Championship, opting to go for it on fourth-and-1 with Jarrett Stidham instead of kicking a field goal; the gamble helped the Patriots win 10-7, and Payton attributes the loss to that choice, taking responsibility himself.

via denverpost.com|

#afc-championship #broncos #fourth-down

sports1 month ago•3 min saved

McVay calls Seattle's 'fortuitous bust' the turning point of late fourth-down gamble

In the NFC Championship, Rams coach Sean McVay described Seattle’s defense as having a 'fortuitous bust' on the decisive fourth-down from the Rams’ six, with Kyren Williams bottled up as Seattle used a cover-0 blitz and eight in coverage, leaving L.A. with 93 yards and 25 seconds to go after the failed conversion.

via NBC Sports|

#fourth-down #los-angeles-rams #nfl

sports1 month ago•5 min saved

Fourth-Down Dilemma Splits Jaguars Fans After Postseason Heartbreaker

After Jacksonville’s controversial fourth‑and‑2 call in the postseason loss to Buffalo, fans debate whether points should have been taken while Trevor Lawrence delivers a strong showing and Parker Washington shines. The Jaguars’ 13‑4 season ended in a gut‑punch, sparking pride mixed with heartbreak as aggressive playcalling and late mistakes dominated the discussion.

via Jacksonville Jaguars|

#fourth-down #jaguars #nfl

sports2 months ago•4 min saved

Luepke's Key Play Sets Up Critical Fourth Down

The article highlights key plays that contributed to the Cowboys' 30-23 victory over Washington, including crucial fourth-down conversions, a remarkable tackle by Quinnen Williams, and strategic plays like a short pass to Lamb leading to a long touchdown, all of which played a vital role in the game's outcome.

via Dallas Cowboys | Official Site of the Dallas Cowboys|

#big-plays #cowboys #fourth-down

sports4 months ago•1 min saved

Chiefs' Victory Over Commanders Highlighted by Mahomes and Kelce's Key Performances

Both the Commanders and Chiefs emphasized the importance of fourth down plays in their game, with the Commanders failing to convert twice and the Chiefs succeeding, which Coach Dan Quinn and Andy Reid highlighted as key factors in the Chiefs' 28-7 victory.

via NBC Sports|

#andy-reid #chiefs #commanders

sports1 year ago•4 min saved

Packers' Playoff Hopes and Lions' Challenges: A Week 14 Analysis

The Detroit Lions successfully converted four out of five fourth-down attempts in their Week 14 victory over the Green Bay Packers, showcasing strategic play-calling and execution. Key plays included a well-timed Texas route for a touchdown, a quarterback sneak, and a tempo play that confused the Packers' defense. Despite one failed attempt due to execution errors, the Lions sealed the win with a decisive run by David Montgomery, highlighting their offensive line's strength and strategic prowess.

via Pride Of Detroit|

#detroit-lions #fourth-down #game-strategy

sports1 year ago•3 min saved

Lions' Strategic Fourth-Down Gamble Seals Victory

In a 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions showcased their aggressive play style, particularly on fourth downs. Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson used a series of fourth-and-one plays to strategically set up a game-clinching drive. Despite a failed attempt earlier, Johnson's adjustments and trust in his offensive line allowed the Lions to convert a crucial fourth down late in the game, leading to a game-winning field goal. This strategic play-calling highlights Johnson's ability to learn from previous plays and adapt in real-time.

via Pride Of Detroit|

#ben-johnson #detroit-lions #fourth-down

sports1 year ago•3 min saved

Dan Campbell's Bold Calls Propel Lions to Victory Over Packers

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell defended his aggressive fourth-down strategy in their 34-31 win over the Green Bay Packers, citing the need for the offense to compensate for a shorthanded defense. Despite a failed fourth-and-1 attempt that led to a Packers lead, Campbell's decisions were supported by analytical models and resulted in crucial conversions, including a game-sealing play. Campbell emphasized trust in his offensive line and coordinator, highlighting the calculated risk involved in his approach.

via Pride Of Detroit|

#dan-campbell #detroit-lions #fourth-down

sports1 year ago•2 min saved

Lions' Bold Fourth-Down Gamble Seals Victory Over Packers

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell made a bold decision to go for it on fourth-and-inches late in a tied game against the Green Bay Packers, defying expectations and expert opinions like Kirk Herbstreit's. The gamble paid off as Jared Goff handed off to David Montgomery, securing a first down and setting up a game-winning field goal by Jake Bates. The Lions' aggressive strategy, converting four out of five fourth downs, helped them secure a 34-31 victory and maintain their strong NFL standing.

via New York Post |

#dan-campbell #detroit-lions #fourth-down

sports1 year ago•1 min saved

Eagles' TNF Victory Highlights Saquon Barkley's MVP Potential

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 instead of kicking a field goal, despite analytics suggesting a field goal would increase their win probability. The decision backfired as the Commanders were stopped, leading to a 26-18 loss to the Eagles. This highlights that while analytics often favor aggressive play, they sometimes recommend kicking, especially when it could secure a lead in the fourth quarter.

via NBC Sports|

#analytics #commanders #dan-quinn