If CLM had the killer instinct, he would have attempted to get a first down on 3rd and 10 with under 2 minutes to go.
True. But it was damned if you do, damned if you don't for Les on Saturday night. Everything bit him in the ass. When he was ballsy in his fake FG, going on 4th, onside kick, it didn't work. When he was conservative, we lost the game. If we'd have won, people would be praising Les for finding his Lesticles; as it is, we're blaming the loss on him.
Lasalle was right. When you keep busting doubling down, you eventually reduce your bet. Les was like fuck it I took my shots. I'll get out of the way. But it was too late. Was one of those days.
I don't think you can disagree that folks from here to Reuben Randle had been begging Les to take more chances and "be his old self," but when he did, and the tricks didn't work, people are pissed at his calls. Conversely, they are also pissed at him being too conservative at the end. ETA: I thought Les was the craziest SOB on the planet for the fake punt against Arizona State in '05. I thought to myself, I wonder is this is going to be the way it is with Les as our coach. The answer was yes, and I find it entertaining.
I tend to agree. As you know I like Les and defend him...and most of his decisions Saturday night. To "know when to hold'em and know when to fold'em".... when to take such a chance or to hold off is a talent few truly have. Bill Parcells had it and used it well. Les did well in 2007, against the gumps with DP's reverse and last November when he played it straight and let Satan take chances and fail. They also fail and when they fail you have to accept the consequences. Les did in his post game statement. I would rather have someone take the chances than not. Those who crticised Les for playing too often for FGs this year had a point. I think that came from a concern that we didn't have the tools to overcome a mistake (Pick 6). I hope that his actions Saturday night show his renewed faith in the ability of the team to execute and/or overcome the results of the gambles. I also hope the renewed faith will bring about better feel for when to take them.
This was really the issue. It's not the fact that he made those calls, they were simply called at the wrong times. I'm all about trickery; it makes the game exciting and unpredictable. I just feel like coaches should use those plays smartly.
Ummm...did we watch the same game? The offense killed, possessing the ball for two thirds of the game and getting us the lead with 1:30 left. The DEFENSE is the unit that failed us Saturday night, deciding to take a nap and let Bama bend them over the table on a doe-or-die drive. THAT'S the time to stand up and make a statement. Protect this house. They didn't do that.