News/views: Dumbest call in sporting history?

Dumbest play I think I've ever seen.

worst call in a big game EVER!

Wow is right. Speechless.

WTF that was a Mike Tomlin bonehead call there - got the best power back in the NFL and you pass? Seattle deserved that loss

Mom always said, pride cometh before the fall.

You have almost a minute AND a TO but no beast mode. shame on you Seattle.... My 14yo made the call any sane mind would have made.

Not sure what's more depressing, that ending or the dead kid in the Nationwide commercial. At least he didn't have to see that.

Definitely outsmarted themselves. Pound it in for the win. Unreal.

I'm aghast - I saw the formation and thought "This better be some draw or a Wilson designed-run. They wouldn't throw here..." Worst. Ever.

Goodell thought it was a great play call.

Exactly the post I just put on social media. That was the worst play call I've ever seen. Who is Marshawn Lynch again?

Mr. Todd Haley, I sincerely apologize for the criticisms I have offered in maligning your play calls. It is clear, at least for one play in the Super Bowl, there was another coach who made a far worse call than you have EVER offered in your career with the Steelers. Wow!

All the momentum in the world with a beast in Lynch behind the QB,,,,,and you outsmart yourself.

Makes me sick too as I CAN'T STAND THE PATRIOTS.

Preach it, brother!

I'd HATE to be a Seattle fan. LOL

Still, if I'm the owner, I fire Carroll on the spot. I'd probably give him a Buddy Ryan fist to the jaw as well.

Bob Kraft just pretty much compared being accused of deflating footballs to 9/11. Class all the way.

Nickerson's call against Walnut Heights was worse. Tragedy is Noll's record is now tied. Should have never happened.

A former newspaper writer down here in Charlotte, Tommy Tomlinson, just tweeted that it was the "worst call since Pickett's charge." I agree.

How in the F does Brady come out of that game with the MVP?! What a joke

unbelievable

DJ
2-1-2015, 10:02 pm [game thread]:

"Dumbest call I have ever seen.

Ever."

thats similar to a blind backhand pass at the blueline

So much for the Legion of Doom being the greatest defense ever.

It really did turn into a great game. It's just a shame somebody had to win.

Dejan, my sincere thanks for your last paragraph. No comparison between the two.

playing iginla at left wing actually seems dumber at this point bc it didn't work for over a month and they still kept trying

They got into the huddle, and Wilson looked at Lynch and said, "You ready to win the Super Bowl, big boy?"

And Lynch looked back and said...

"I'm just here so I don't get fined."

Note to Carroll: See Steelers v. Cardinals.

Kurt Warner tried something similar and Harrison made history. Then again, Warner could not run, Lynch was not in backfield and it was approaching halftime.

It is going to difficult to argue that wasn't the worst play call in Super Bowl history. All-time it ranks up there with Grady Little leaving Pedro Martinez in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.

I just got off the phone with my friend in Seattle. She was inconsolable, understandably so. Can you even imagine if the Steelers had lost that way? That would have rivaled Francisco Cabrera and that is saying something.

Pretty much the cherry on top of a banner year for the NFL (I mean that in the worst way possible). Domestic violence, continuing concussion scandals, cheating allegations, and then the team most cited for cheating winning the Super Bowl.

It couldn't have been any more deflating of a season for someone who enjoys the game.

Simply the worst coaching move/call in my lifetime. Simply stunned.

I don't buy any of Pete Caroll's BS in that interview.

How many times, exactly, did New England stop Marshawn for 1 yard or less? ZERO by my count in that game.

You have ONE YARD. To win the SUPER BOWL. And you have the running back that's scored more TD's in the last 3 years than anyone.

It's just a complete brain lock, and it IS Caroll's fault. Even if he didn't call the play, he's got to stop it.

And no, no amount of Pittsburgh fails could ever top this one. Nothing.

That doesn't even begin to talk about the bush-league fighting Seattle did when New England kneeled down. Completely classless.

That was pretty bad, if like he said they didn't want to run against their goal line d, call a timeout and regroup.

Whether we like it or not Belichick's name is next to Chuck Noll in the record books. They're not going to put an asterisk.Unless the NFL vacates this win like the NCAA did with Paterno.

Even if Dri Archer were your sole RB, you still run. But with Marshwn Bloody Lynch!!!??????

Patriots fans next to me at the bar were yelling, "Let them [Seahawks] score a TD!"

So yes, I vote "aye" as to Daejan's question.

The NFC is glad the 2015 season is done. Seriously. AZ no QB. The Dez "catch". Carolina winning division with 6 wins. Green Bays meltdown in Seattle. And last, Carroll/Bevells awful call.

Heck, Deflategate. Ravens crying about Pats formations. No Leveon after he tore it up all year. Awful Manning last 6 weeks of the year. Another Cindy meltdown.

I'm not sure New England won anything. Strangest playoff I've ever seen. Right down to the end.

As a Pats fan, I'll take it.

couldnt agree more DK. Especially last part about belichicks name in same sentence as Nolls.

6 rings No Questions ever about not following the rules

Sad to say that but Bill Belichick obviously is not done yet, DK. With that dude, the quarterback, he may have a couple more cracks at another championship. Otherwise was a good game.
Regarding the call I let experts speak and they mostly (including Carroll) say that it was dumb. So be it. :)

Everyone in New England is thanking their lucky stars they dumped Carroll.

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

Punxsutawney Phil would have called a run. Pete Carroll should at least be as intelligent as a rodent.

Might be nauseated til training camp

I'll never criticize Haley again....at least not until September.

I'm not saying Pete Carroll should be fired for that, but guys have been fired for less.

Not using Wakefield in the 9th is really, really close (still stings). But to not use Lynch on three straight downs is just, just...

It bothers me that Belichick has as many Superbowl wins as Noll, but I think history will remember that these stories go beyond the superficial stat of four wins.

Butler did make a nice play on the ball, watching it a few times.

Still, ball should have never been put in the air.

On the other hand, if Butler doesn't jump that route, if he is a half second late, that's a game winning touchdown. He made a perfect play on that ball, or the final is 31-28.

I don't think you could've framed it any better. This call reeked of Todd Haley ego-driven one-upmanship with no actual regard for the x's and o's and game situation. The only positive I take from this is at least it's not the Steelers, but trust me, it could be one day.

Brady winning 4? Pretty bad. Belichik name in same sentence with Noll? This will sting for long time. There is just something not proper given relationship between Goodell and Kraft.

Someone ask lynch why he didnt get the ball oh thats right the jerk is not talking haha they all deserve it shermans crybaby face was priceless brady should of went over and said you mad bro lmao

I sat stunned staring at the TV, unable to form the right words for that call. When I saw the play unfold, and all the Seahawks receivers heading left, I thought Wilson would scamper around end for a TD. Unreal.

Also unreal is Belicheat being mentioned in the same sentence as Chuck Noll. That is criminal.

But, lets keep this in mind........... no matter how many SB's the Cheatriots win, there will always be a cloud of suspicion regarding each victory. No matter how much Kraft compares his poor babies to 9/11, that franchise's reputation is in tatters. Rightfully so.

https://www.facebook.com/nflmemes4you/photos/a.498765176883814.1073741828.498655083561490/780711568689172/?type=1

Here, here! Well stated on all fronts.

Interestingly, it looked like Beastmode was open coming out of the backfield on the leftside.

ugh...the whole patriots cheating by under inflating the balls is the most OVER inflated story ever. I am a Steelers fan through and through and normally hate the Pats, but I actually ended up rooting for them this time because of how ridiculously overblown the whole thing was. 24 hour news media with too much time and too little real news to talk about.

Every team looks for an edge in games and walks as close to the line as possible (even stepping over it at times...ahem... Tomlin stepping over the line to re-route a player on the field is MUCH worse than the balls being modestly under the allowable limit), but the Pats have been and are a legitimately fantastic team and deserved every one of their Superbowls (and probably the one they lost to a lucky catch as well).

Brady is one of the all time great quarterbacks, and Belichick is one of the all time great coaches. Saying otherwise is utterly ridiculous and sounds mostly like sour grapes.

The Pats win was, well, most deflating....

It was a pretty good game though.

Truly a Super Bowl

To play Devil's Advocate to the idea that Chuck Noll's character is unassiable...

1. Did he bench Ernie Holmes after he was arrested for shooting at a helicopter?
2. Did he handle Terry Bradshaw's early struggles correctly by playing a sort of "cat and mouse" game by benching him several times?
3. And there are those pesky rumors that the Steelers were at the forefront of steroid abuse in the NFL.

For the record, I am an unabashed Steelers/Noll fan, just want to throw out a few counterarguments...

Was Pete Carroll ever a Pitt football coach? Those guys have snatched defeat from victory more than once

Belichick's the greatest coach like Barry Bonds is the greatest home run hitter. Let's just leave it at that so he can sit at home alone with his ego someday. Noll knew football was a profession, not something worth selling one's soul or honor over.

I loved the views until I got to the Chuck Noll part. There are no words to describe how much I agree with that and love it (jeez I sound like this ridiculous bank commercial out here… that most of you probably haven't heard). I honestly shuddered when I thought about Belichick being compared to Noll. I know it's going to be on the Boston radio all this week, once they get over Brady being a "GOAT." Sorry I
The only good thing about the stupid pats winning is that I get a free coffee tomorrow (from Dunks cause they're the pats sponsor… I'll just have to make 2 stops cause it's not that big).

Ray Rice
Adrien Peterson
Deflate gate
And a Superbowl Fix?

A professional Coach made that call? And a pro QB threw the ball right at the cornerback?

Thats pretty stinky

"Not unless someone can cite one instance where Mr. Noll’s honor and credibility came into question. And they can’t and never will."

100% agreement on this!

Bravo to your last paragraph!

Worse, was Carrolls ramble later that they didn't have enough timeouts left to run three times. Do any of us think it would have taken Lynch three times??

I am a Pitt fan, nothing like this surprises me

First of all they only had one timeout and not enough time to call 3 running plays. His thinking was that if it was complete they win, incomplete it stops the clock, but the QB mad a poor throw and the WR didn't shield the CB enough. I think NE received a lot of help from the officials on missed calls.

I could not believe they called a pass play. You have Lynch in the back field. Plenty of time on the clock to run a play or two. But the Pats give them credit on the play. I am sure they were concentrated on Lynch getting the ball and they stayed with their man for a pass and intercepted the ball, need to give them credit too i guess.
In Carroll's defense he knew the Pats would concentrate on Lynch so lets pass

my dad was right when many years ago he told me: games are won "in the trenches....that is what an 'o line' is for to block for the backs...."

run the ball! football hasn't changed that much, has it?

I was physically ill after that win. then I read your last paragraph and was cured. Thank you.

No fan of Belichick,but kinda happy to see Carroll blow it with that play call. As Penn State fan I am still jacked from the images of Carroll dancing with his players during the Rose Bowl . Classless Jerk

The Emporer can Rest in Peace.....the man taught all of us a few lessons...on and off the field

Second baseman Fred Merkel has been known as "Bonehead" since his bad play in 1908--He can now rest in peace as he has been outdone by Pete Carroll--

What an ending. Perhaps one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history is almost now an after thought. Couldn't believe they would pass. Was stunned. Can't stand the Pats. Well. When do pitchers and catchers report?

too late. the fan boys at pensblog already are stating it... from mom's basement

I guess I'll stand alone in not questioning the decision for the Seahawks to try a pass there. I didn't think it was agregious given the time, timeouts, and the Seahawks struggles from the 1 this year.

My only caveat is that I would have had Wilson bootleg with a read option. Get the D hesitating for a split second.

Also, were there any apologies issued by either coach, either owner, or the league for the scrum to end the game? I haven't seen any yet but I could have easily missed it. Roger Goodell's league. Don't know what else to say about it at this point.

I think the ability to compare Noll to Belichick depends on the discussion. Is he of comparable character? Obviously not. Nor did he lead the uplifting of an entire city. (DK's Trib column was outstanding, btw.)

That said, he's not only won 4, but he's been to 6 and assembled incredible teams for 15 years with a salary cap as GM. His trades have been mostly successful, even though he dealt the picks used on Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant

I think the jury's still out on the "worst" call in sporting history, but I'll place my vote on the Penguins hiring of Johnson and Rutherford...with a possible runner-up tie being the Steelers signing of Mike Mitchell, or the Pirates pitching Belinda in the 9th of game 7 in 1992.

Oh excuse me if I don't give a rat's A about this Super Bowl or the Patriots and Seahawks.

Only thing I'd add is that without the benefit of a timeout for them all to put their head's together, I'd bet the play call was much more on Darrell Bevell's shoulders than it was on Pete Carroll's. Wouldn't surprise me if he fell on the sword to cover for his OC, as a good leader/HC should

I I, an NFL fan since 1970, feel that my passion for professional football has been deflated after this Super Bowl as the NFL Commissioner is BFF to Roger Kraft and continuously allowed New England to bend and break the rules over the years at no cost to the team and at the sake of the integrity of the game. I, an NFL fan and especially a Steelers fan, feel that I have been misled to believe that the NFL is played fairly for all of its teams. Somehow, this morning as I write this, I feel someone robbed me of my favorite sport to the point that it is no longer should be considered a sport, rather than entertainment ( as when wrestling announced in NJ that they do not need to pay a sports tax as wrestling is not a sport, but entertainment). Where are all the other NFL owners as they all stand by and watch Roger Goodell turn this league into a travesty? This morning I feel that I am morning the loss of my favorite sport and I do not know if the damage caused by Roger Goodell will ever make me feel the same about the NFL as it is ruled today. Today, I feel that deep loss as if one of my best friends just passed away. Good-bye dear friend.

Seattle decided to go "LEAST MODE"

I've trademarked that !!

Yes! Worst call ever!

wow unbelievable

Noll was a great coach and fine man but credibility damaged by heavy steroid use of his team. Very similar to north Dallas forty in terms did drug culture.

Ok, time to pick at an old wound...

Wakefield threw 141 pitches in a CG Game 6 btw.

...I thought they should have traded for a closer at the deadline, rather than Danny Jackson.

Okay, im done. Sorry.

What will the head coach's obituary headline read?

"Pete Carroll Passed."

I'm still shocked by it. As a non-fan of both teams, I was just happy to see the Super Bowl was close and went down to the wire. Much more entertaining than last year.

For further news on The Patriots Greatness from Goodell's National Patriot League, " Only 1 of the balls was below acceptable levels below the minimum Requirement." Huh! Is this a Spinal Tap moment, "My Guitar goes to 11." Only in Goodell's Enabling Logic, does the minimum Requirement, not Mean Minimum Requirement. I do not consider myself a Mensa President, but if you are allowed 2 PSI lower than the 12.5 requirement, Does in fact this make the minimum 10.5 PSI. Brady, and Bellichick do to Class, what the Kardashians due to girls you most want your daughters to emulate.

yes, DK is right. Noll is on another level compare to Belichick. This game wasn't more of Belichick out playing Carroll. It was more Carroll losing it for his club. I really believe if Russell Wilson was more of a vet, he would of made the switch at the line.

Patriot Great News Continues, The National Football Twlight Zone League, has just recently sent headline that only 1 of the balls was Acceptable levels below the minimum 12.5 requirement. The Great Patriot Enabler Roger Goodell has found a world where MINIMUM does not mean MINIMUM. "There is nothing to see behind this Curtain, Brady and Bellichick display total Class, and Character on the Football Field", to Paraphrase the Great Enabler.

don't remember the situation but if there was only 1 time out left then a pass call was the right one. That would have allowed for 2 run plays on 3rd and 4th but if it was a pass why across the middle? I can see a fade or an out pass but across the middle..

Chuck knowingly practiced with shoulder pads against the rules and lost a draft pick for it. When confronted, he blamed the journalist for ratting him out. He didn't spy or deflate balls, but he did break the rules. Not a defense of Billy, but shows Noll wasn't a boyscout.

I rarely disagree with DK, but I don't see how he can get that deeply into the mind of Pete to isolate the choice he may have made(offensive coordinator?) a consequence of his desire to show how much better he is than Bill. Romantic history starts this way.

I, an NFL fan since 1970, feel that my passion for professional football has been deflated after this Super Bowl as the NFL Commissioner is BFF to Roger Kraft and continuously allowed New England to bend and break the rules over the years at no cost to the team and at the sake of the integrity of the game. I, an NFL fan and especially a Steelers fan, feel that I have been misled to believe that the NFL is played fairly for all of its teams. Somehow, this morning as I write this, I feel someone robbed me of my favorite sport to the point that it is no longer should be considered a sport, rather than entertainment ( as when wrestling announced in NJ that they do not need to pay a sports tax as wrestling is not a sport, but entertainment). Where are all the other NFL owners as they all stand by and watch Roger Goodell turn this league into a travesty? This morning I feel that I am morning the loss of my favorite sport and I do not know if the damage caused by Roger Goodell will ever make me feel the same about the NFL as it is ruled today. Today, I feel that deep loss as if one of my best friends just passed away. Good-bye dear friend.

Dejan,

Watching the end of that game last night, I was reminded of the BCS Championship between USC and Texas, when questionable play calling cost USC another national championship.

Belichick may be a crook, but he wins.

When you ask fans if they want and honorable loser or a thug led team that wins, my guess is the latter is chosen overwhelmingly.

1997 championship game versus Denver. all we had to do was hand off to the Bus. The Steelers throw. Kordell throws INT. Elway takes the ball down the field and Denver goes to Super Bowl.

I know one other NFL coach that would have made the same IDIOTIC play call that the moron PETE CARROLL made - MIKE TOMLIN

I know the Steelers released him, but I just think there's something deeply and fundamentally wrong with a system where a player can get caught with drugs, pout about his lack of playing time, quit on his team during a game in the middle of the season and STILL walk away with a Super Bowl ring.

Dumbest play call in NFL history, certainly. Perhaps in all of football,given the circumstances

The only logical argument I have heard in Carrolls favor here is that throwing allows for three plays as opposed to two. With 26 seconds a run and a timeout and a run ends the game. A pass incomplete and a run allows for a timeout and a run. the pass could have been on third down as well. And in all fairness that was a heck of a read by the db. I still think ot was an awful call but cant completely fault wanting 3 potential shots as opposed to 2.

More true words have never been spoken...It's nauseating to even think that some people will put Belichick in the same class as Chuck Noll

Nobody can seem to believe a pass was called in that situation. If I'm the play caller, factoring in the element of surprise certainly carries some weight in the decision. Get stuffed for a loss, burn a TO, and you HAVE to pass. Not to mention, the QB can recognize the defense and check to a run. Give credit where due on a great play by the corner.

Amen