Thing I will never understand about play-calling

[bruiser.sixpack]

You have 3rd and 5 or 3rd and 6, and you throw it 30 yards downfield. Just get the first down.

Now throwing deep on first or second down, I can see. But on 3rd down, just keep the sticks moving and live to see 4 more downs.

 

[mount lefroy]

You have 3rd and 5 or 3rd and 6, and you throw it 30 yards downfield. Just get the first down.

Now throwing deep on first or second down, I can see. But on 3rd down, just keep the sticks moving and live to see 4 more downs.

Agreed.

 

[PBRME]

It’s a gamble. I have no problems with taking a shot from time to time.

 

[bruiser.sixpack]

On 3rd and 5? I imagine many a game has been lost by teams throwing a 30 yard incompletion when they only need 5. No scientific data, but that done 2 or 3 times in a game, has got to have a bearing on the game.

 

[dannyripms]

Depends if the guy is wide open or not.

 

[Rupert Jenkins]

Depends if the guy is wide open or not.

Thank you. Most likely the D is all concentrated on stopping the first down and you go over the top. That's the train of thought there. They know you need 6 so they are covering tight.

 

[aerodawg.sixpack]

Yeah I’m sure it’s not from lack of trying. Generally defenses are going to send some pressure and lock down on those quick short routes. The quick routes are generally going to have some tight throws unless your QB and receiver can make a read together. If you get some great protection you are looking at guaranteed one on ones downfield. It’s a chess match and you are going to have to mix it up.

 

[jdbulldog]

Got to go downfield early and often.....

 

[patdog]

It can be a good down to get a big play. The defense is going to be crowding the first down line, making it harder to get a completion there, but leaving them vulnerable to a receiver getting behind them. Definitely shouldn't try it every time, but you have to try it occasionally, both to potentially get the big play and to force them to back off the first down line a little.