Bigger Idiot: Phil Mickelson at Winged Foot or Bill Belichick Last Night?
by Ryan Ballengee on Nov 16, 2009 11:09 AM EST
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PrintIt's 34-28 late in the fourth quarter in Indianapolis. The Patriots lead the undefeated Colts thanks to a fantastic performance by Tom Brady and the Pats wide outs. But, it's 4th & 2 with just above two minutes to play.
The Pats can either go for the win and try to make the first down, or punt the ball and force Peyton Manning to lead his team some 70 yards in 2 minutes with one timeout and the two-minute warning.
Evil genius Bill Belichick decides - I guess - that his defense is too gassed to take on Manning. So he goes for the win. Brady passes to Kevin Faulk for exactly three yards. Problem is that Faulk took -1.5 yards to catch the ball. Turnover on downs to the Colts, on fire, with two minutes, a timeout, and thirty yards to go. Predictably, the Colts win 35-34.
This had to be the biggest tactical mistake in Bill Belichick's coaching career, even dating back to his Browns days. Had he pulled it off, it would have been the biggest display of balls since Belichick propositioned former CBS and ESPNer (and UMD alum and pretty hot chick) Bonnie Bernstein. Instead, he looks like a dummy, essentially gives away any chance at home field advantage in the playoffs, and even had his former player in Rodney Harrison calling him an idiot on national TV.
But, all that said, is what Belichick did on Sunday night any dumber than what Phil Mickelson did in the '06 Open at Winged Foot? Leading by one on the final hole, Mickelson needed a par to clinch his first US Open title. Deciding to do what got him into that position, Mickelson remained aggressive and hit driver on the long par 4. He hit a lefty slice, drilled a merchandise tent and landed in the woods. He then proceeded to take two strokes just to land with a fried egg lie in a bunker. He went on to make double bogey and hand Geoff Ogilvy the most improbable US Open win in some time.
Or, if you would like, feel free to insert Jean van de Velde in for Phil Mickelson since it'll be a harder choice between a Frenchman or an American original jerkoff to earn the label of bigger idiot. (Just kidding, we know Belichick would win that too.)
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OOooo - nice !
That’s a really tough one to call. There is yin and yang (not Y.E.) on both sides of both situations.
Even if the Pats had punted, there is no guarantee that the Colts wouldn’t have scored. Manning has shown time and again that he can take his team to the endzone from just about anywhere. The Pats could easily converted that 4th down play and closed out the game – that IS Tom Brady in the silver helmet, you know.
Phil is…well…Phil. Goofy, throw-the-tournament-away decisions are almost commonplace with him. He was lucky to be in the position he was in on the 72nd hole to begin with. He was all over the place with his driver all day. He hit, what, 4 fairways all day ? On the other hand, he pulls off miraculous shots, too.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Like what's worse
Golf Channel repeating that no American won on the LPGA Tour for 6 months or that flying hockey puck logo FSN Florida puts on the screen when play is taking place on ice.
Not even close
Mickelson was leading the US Open while standing on the tee box of the 72nd hole.
Maybe if Belichick made this call in a playoff game or the Super Bowl, there might be grounds for discussion. It was definitely a bad call. However, I would almost guarantee that he kicks it away in that situation and plays the percentages.
Belichick is a situational coach and his record is pretty good. If the Patriots convert, everyone who is criticizing today (aka everyone with a radio show, column or blog) would instead be kneeling at the alter of the almighty Belichick.
When it’s all said and done, its just a regular season loss and he’s still got a two game lead in his division. His division is HORRIBLE and the Patriots are easily going to make the playoffs. They still have a chance to win the Super Bowl this year.
Mickelson threw up all over himself in the “Super Bowl” and definitely wins the bigger idiot award.
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