New England Patriots - NESN.com
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel made a decision that most coaches wouldn’t even dream of during the final drive of the first half against the Buccaneers on Sunday.
After the Patriots picked up a first down with 1:52 left in the second quarter, Tampa Bay called its third and final timeout.
With the ball on the 1-yard line, Vrabel had his quarterback, Drake Maye, essentially go to the ground on a fake QB sneak. In a deliberate effort not to score a touchdown, Maye dove to ensure that the Buccaneers would have less time on the clock to answer a potential touchdown before half.
This move was dubbed “genius” by color commentator Tony Romo, with one stipulation —the Patriots had to score.
On second down, TreVeyon Henderson was stuffed at the goal line for no gain.
The next play was a toss to the outside with the same result.
New England then stared at fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line after an unprecedented coaching decision on first down.
Luckily, Maye was able to connect with wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the corner of the end zone as time expired to give the Patriots a 14-10 halftime lead.
The decision on first down resulted in the Patriots killing all two minutes remaining in the half, completely neutralizing any opportunity for Tampa Bay to answer.
Additionally, Vrabel’s Patriots would get the ball coming out of the halftime locker room.
