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The original was posted on /r/nfl by /u/ChargeisKill on 2025-12-12 05:21:51+00:00.
Option 1: the one that was the most obvious to everyone watching, once it was 4th and 14 and you were sure they were going to snap the ball, call timeout. The Buccs had two timeouts at this point, and could’ve set their defense up on the absolute game determining play. Instead, they let it play out and gave up a 16 yard reception.
Option 2: Call a panic timeout to prevent the free offsides/twelve men penalty. This was ALSO and option because they still had two timeouts due to not taking option 1. I guess they didn’t see the penalty coming, which is embarassing for a defensive minded head coach.
Option 3: This one is a bit tricky. The Falcons called a run play on 1st and 5 after the offside penalty and got stuffed. The clock was at 20 seconds. Although it SOUNDS incorrect, Bowles should absolutely have called timeout here. The Falcons were already well in field goal range. Extending the game by calling timeout would’ve forced another run play and another 5 second off the clock. Then, Bowles could have called his second timeout with at minimum 10 seconds on the clock. This puts Atlanta in an awkward situation. They have to call another play that kills clock, but they absolutely can’t fall in bounds because the clock would run, and you can’t spike on 4th down obviously. They could intentionally throw an incomplete pass, but they have to be careful to not have intentional grounding called on them, because that would also lose them the game. Before you say it’s unlikely, keep in mind Kirk is known for his very idiotic endings to football games. It could’ve happened, or something similar. But in any case, it for sure beats….
Option 4: call a timeout to ice the 42 yard field goal attempt. Keeping one timeout for your soon to be one way ticket to Cancun.
Fire Todd Bowles