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Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2026 12:16 pm
by Charlie-49ers
What Call Do You Make?
Game Scenario
You find yourself facing a high-pressure situation: it is fourth down, and you are on your own 1-yard line. There are only 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The score is tied, and your opponent has no time-outs remaining.
Key Considerations
• Down and Distance: Fourth down on your own 1-yard line
• Time Remaining: 10 seconds in the fourth quarter
• Score: Tied
• Opponent's Time Outs: None left
Decision Point
Given these factors, what play should you call in this crucial moment?
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2026 4:29 pm
by Justin-Chicago
depends which team has possession 
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2026 5:43 pm
by Dean-Atlanta
If on offense, is the clock running or is it stopped? Taking a knee might result in a safety. Any offensive play could result in a safety.
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2026 7:05 pm
by Matt-Jacksonville
Line up in Shotgun and quick kick it. Catch the defense off guard and let the ball roll and run time off the clock.
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2026 7:38 pm
by Mitch-Dolphins
Calling a T-LOB
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2026 9:06 pm
by Matt-Jacksonville
Mitch-Dolphins wrote:Calling a T-LOB
I thought about that, but 10 seconds is a long time to run around in the end zone and risk a safety before throwing it deep. If you don't time it just right, you give your opponent one play from the 1 yard line for the game.
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 2:13 pm
by Charlie-49ers
Justin-Chicago wrote:depends which team has possession
You have the ball on your own 1-yard line.
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 2:14 pm
by Charlie-49ers
Dean-Atlanta wrote:If on offense, is the clock running or is it stopped? Taking a knee might result in a safety. Any offensive play could result in a safety.
The defense has called a timeout, and the clock will start on the snap!
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 11:27 pm
by Dean-Atlanta
The defense in that situation should call those GLP defenses that Justin used vs Rich several seasons ago.
Maybe the offense should call a quick screen.
Re: Decision Making in Critical Game Situations
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 11:55 pm
by James-Eagles
I would just punt. It is playing the numbers.