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With any important decision comes standing behind those made at pivotal points in the game. Making these important calls during crucial moments in a game also has the most direct affect on the outcome of the game.

During the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts game there came one of these moments where Patriots Quarterback, Matt Cassel took the initiative to run a quarterback sneak. What may have very well been a last moment decision with the apparent spot of the ball, Belichick frantically ran to get the attention of an official in order to call a timeout. At this point the timeout was awarded despite the fact that the ensuing play already seemed underway resulting in a Patriots first down. At this point Belichick made the decision to opt for a field goal and place the necessary tying points on the board.

“I thought it was too long for a quarterback sneak,” he said.

This decision turned out to be the downfall of the Patriots chance at winning. Despite the Patriots being able to tie the game, it did not stop the Colts from being able to march back down field and respond with the go ahead filed goal that retained their win. Belichick seemed adamant about reaffirming his support for the new found Patriots quarterback in comments after the game stating, “I am confident in Matt throwing the ball. I am confident in us running it. I am confident in us stopping them, but we just have to do a better job of it, that’s all.”

The reality of this decision came into question solely because Cassel had apparently made the first down. The fact also remains that when the Patriots scored the field goal as a result of Belichick’s decision, there was still 11:33 on the clock. Plenty of time for another offensive drive to accumulate. At that point in the game it did not seem important to chance coming up scoreless but there are always those would have, could have moments in a game. In the end there are always a lot more that lead up to a make or break situation and it is unfortunate that this has been looked at as Belichick making a questionable call.