The going-for-two discussion will likely become the most annoying debate in sports. The play-call for the Baltimore Ravens in their 31-30 loss to the Packers was pretty poor. It wasn't the best pass from Lamar Jackson, as it was two weeks ago in Pittsburgh. John Harbaugh is not guilty of being confused by the two.
This has become Harbaugh's thing. He seems intent on proving how big his gut is. I can understand if you want your backup quarterback to make a throw to win the game. Asking him to make one play is more of an ask than to come up with one more touchdown drive in overtime. The Ravens were in a position to either tie or win the game after Tyler Huntley authored two touchdown drives.
Harbaugh should have gone for two when the Ravens got within 31-23. You have two chances to convert. Going for two on the previous drive gives you a bigger safety net if you are confident that you can punch it in.
Why aren't you onside kicking the ball when Rodgers has it? If you think you have to eliminate possessions Rodgers can have, and you don't trust your defense to stop them, then go all the way with it.
42 seconds and one timeout was all it took for Rodgers to drive down for a field goal. It would be difficult, but we have seen Rodgers do it before.
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Kicking the extra point is not playing not to lose. You can still play aggressive. There are lots of things that can happen in an overtime. The idea that going to overtime is an automatic loss is not true. Harbaugh tried to justify the decision by making it a personal trait.
A lot of fans and media have been blinded by Harbaugh's calls. Ben Roethlisberger was still able to throw the ball 12 yards without his shoulder turning into string cheese, despite the fact that the Baltimore Ravens secondary was weakened against Pittsburgh. He had Lamar Jackson with him.
The excitement of everything coming down to one play confuses us for genius, because we like the drama. It is similar to the penalty shootout of the NFL. Everything we love about the sport is in one play. It is a rush.
Harbaugh came up empty both times, and the Ravens might miss the playoffs because of it. Maybe he and the Ravens can be reassured that they were willing to risk it all on a game of pitch and toss. They will be breathing words about their loss.
Kipling had a pitch and toss. There were options. It doesn't make it all that progressive just because it's different.
