What an insane ending. Great game from the standpoint of someone who had basically nothing vested in the game.
Amazing game. Obviously I would have preferred a win for the Niners, but that was honestly one of the best games I've ever seen. Was it a defensive hold? Yes. I'm not sure if the ball would have been catchable, and I'm disappointed in the play calling. I wish they would have come down after the Gore run and just tried to punch it in while the defense as on its heals. I thought it was a mistake to run the clock out to the 2 minute warning because it gave the defense time to compose itself. I think the NFL needs to change it's rules for challenges with under 2 minutes left in the game. I completely understand why pass interference is not a challengable penalty, but I think a coach (or the booth) should be able to throw a flag if the game is under 2 minutes or 1 minute or whatever. When it changes the outcome of a game like that, a coach should be able to challenge it. That said, I was disappointed that they didn't really come up with a good play for that final four possessions. Just seemed very thrown together. Regardless, amazing game. Too bad the Niners took a full half of football to get their heads out of their asses. Good game Baltimore.
OTOH, if they score quickly, giving Baltimore time to potentially come back with a game-winning field goal, there could also be some criticism.
I love football but the two rules I cant stand are Kneel downs and for the other teams to just hold it into the end zone to get the win. Basically running out the clock so you can get the win. I think the NFL should figure out a way to keep the game moving. I hate it when teams can just run out the clock.
When you're losing by 5, you need to score and let the other team worry about time. Can't get all conservative with the clock.
There was also a big time hold on the Ravens KO TD return as well. The 49ers defense is really over-rated. They have a great LB corp, but the secondary is shit. Gave up so many points and long passes during the playoffs. I thought for sure they were going to score on that last drive, I thought Kaep would be able to run it in....didn't like the last play call at all, but of course, if Crabtree wasn't held it may have worked. Kinda sucks being a fan of a good team because it's more gut wrenching when they lose. But then again, the mediocre Blazers are getting really boring.....
Well, they have their priorities: 1. Score and take the lead 2. Time left on clock #2 won't matter without #1 with the 49ers in that particular situation.
In my mind, it was more about giving the Ravens defense a chance to settle themselves. If they had come down, run a no-huddle and tried to punch it in, I think the would have had momentum on their side.
I'm not a Niners fan in the least, in fact I was rooting for the Ravens. But, there was two obvious holding calls in the final couple minutes that should have been called that weren't. Niners fans have seen their share of Superbowl wins in their time. I don't feel too sorry for them.
