[DesertCat]

[ QUOTE ]

They also made many stupid mistakes on the last series of the game:

1) the kick returner attempted to run back from the 2, instead of letting it go to the end zone.

2) he was bailed out by making a good return, but a teammate blocked in the back (for the second time in the game).

3) they called a pass on 1st down from their own 3.

4) 6 blockers couldn't handle 4 pass rushers on the final play.

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These are all player mistakes, except for 3) and I argued on the Cardinal thread that 3) might not have been a mistake since it can be argued that if the Cards don't make a first down there they will lose the game. Their soon to be released punter was at the bottom of the league in punting, had shanked his last (easy) punt, their punt blocking was poor, so kicking backed up in the end zone would produce a high likelihood of a shank or a blocked punt. A shank immediately puts SF in make-able FG range, a block is game over. Even a good punt leaves SF in decent FG range.

Running on first down into a run defense is likely to leave you in 2nd and 8th or worse. Then you will be forced to throw during an obvious passing down while your QB is still in the end zone.

Warner had thrown for 480 yards, his receivers were dominant. I think Wiz figured that it was likely Warner would be forced to throw from the end zone, so why not do it on first down against a run defense.