Time to check in on some of the stupidest moments from around the NFL, this time from the 10th weekend of the 2014 season…
The stupidest quarterback decision
This goes to Oakland’s Derek Carr, who decided in a moment of panic against Denver to throw the ball to a guard. Not only is that a penalty, but it usually sets you up for bigger problems. Of course, because we’re talking about the Raiders, the worst-case scenario came to fruition…
The stupidest goal-line moment
How can Titans running back Shonn Greene allow the ball to become this exposed on a run into traffic one yard out against the Baltimore defense?
The stupidest special-teams decision
You can’t be serious about attempting to return this fourth-quarter punt from your own 2-yard line, De’Anthony Thomas…
He’d only gain six yards, likely costing his team 12. They’d be bailed on on the ensuing drive and would end up winning the game, but that could have been a very costly decision.
The stupidest officiating decision
How in the world was this not ruled a fumble, even after a replay review?
Explain yourself, Dean Blandino.
The stupidest protest of a call
I know you’re frustrated, Jimmy Graham, but there’s no doubt back judge Jim Quirk made the right call and this was offensive pass interference on that last-second Hail Mary…
The stupidest clock management scenario
The Saints might have had one more chance at the end of that game had Sean Payton used his timeout more quickly after a second-down completion earlier on that drive. Look at how much time runs off the clock after the end of the previous play…
Five seconds gone. They’d add two back, but that was still enough for an extra play when all was said and done.
The stupidest protest of a play
I don’t care if it’s victory formation, this was a one-score game and the Jets were running a snap from scrimmage. I know Rex Ryan isn’t happy, but I’ve got no issue with Mike Mitchell making a leap in this situation…
The stupidest coaching decision
This goes to Bills coach Doug Marrone for going for it on 4th-and-10 while down four at the Kansas City 15-yard line with 2:32 to play in the fourth quarter. The Bills had three timeouts in their back pocket and the defense had done a formidable job all day.
The field goal there was almost automatic and there was a good chance you’d get the ball back with plenty of time in need of only one more field goal to win the game. Dating back to 1998, teams have converted only 26 percent of the time on 4th-and-10 inside the red zone. You’d have to think the math favored a field goal there.
