I need some suggestions here. The Arizona Cardinals lost again today. No biggie. We all know that happens quite frequently. They couldn't, or perhaps wouldn't, run the ball. Five carries for 17 yards, or something like that, while throwing it 51 times. They turned it over too many times. They have an inconsistent defense, which is not to say that the defense is the problem, considering that the Cardinals' two touchdowns today came by way of a kickoff return and a fumble return, both covering 99 yards. I am well aware of their shortcomings, not the lease of which today was scoring touchdowns on offense. But here is my question: With the score 31-13 and ten minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals scored on the aforementioned fumble return. After further review, the officials decided that it was indeed a fumble, making the score 31-19. Which means the Cardinals had several minutes to think about this. And they STILL went for two. I was screaming at the TV when they did so. Well, maybe not screaming, but being vocal just the same, since I cannot think of any situation in which you would score six points to get within 12 and then go for two. (If they had kicked the extra point, it would have been 31-20). I said to my girlfriend, whom I was watching the game with, that the Cardinals had just taken their field goal kicker out of the game. And they did. The Cards got the ball back, and had a first and goal at the eight with about five minutes left. After a couple plays, they were faced with a third and long. Obviously a field goal wasn't an option. (31-23, anyone?) So they had to throw the ball in the end zone, which the whole stadium knew they would. They were unsuccessful. But near the end of the game, they did score a touchdown.  Which, had they not gone for two at the aforementioned point, and had been able to kick a field goal at another aforementioned point, would have allowed them to go for two to tie the game.

Here is the question for my blogging friends. Is there ANY situation in which you would go for two after scoring a touchdown to get within 12 points? I can't think of one. And granted, there are lots of shortcomings that the Cardinals have, as I mentioned earlier. But as a coach, you must make a few decisions each game that help your team win. Going for two when down by twelve points is not one of them.  Kick the freakin' extra point and get within 11. It completely baffles me to think otherwise.

Thanks for taking the time to read and share my misery.