# NFL 2024-25: Week 14 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [December 3, 2024, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119 "2024-12-03T15:13:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2024, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/21 "2024-12-06T13:57:25Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > That was the Dan Canpbellest game that’s ever been Campbelled. Five times going for it on 4th down, including the last absolutely insane call. I can appreciate not wanting to give Love 40 seconds to get in FG range, but I’d never have the guts (or some might say stupidity) to make that call. > [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > But it wasn’t the end-of-game one that turned my stomach upside down, it was the earlier (failed) attempt when they went for it from their own 30 yard line. Yeah, in the early days of the Campbell era I used to yell at the screen when he’s pull that kind of crap. Going for it on 4th at your own 30? WTF? Now I just smile, shrug and say to myself “that’s our _Campbell the Gamble_” 🙄 🤷‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2024, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/22 "2024-12-06T15:09:39Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > Luckily the gridiron gods are smiling on Detroit this year and it all worked out. Isn’t weird, almost creepy, how certain teams keep winning although they have no business doing so, some games. It’s like plot armor. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2024, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/23 "2024-12-06T18:11:00Z")
I wasn’t happy about the pass completion by Detroit just prior. Detroit reciever had both hands in the chest of the DB and pushed off. Seemed egregious to me, a complete non-entity wondering about ‘what are penalties’. Bigger things to be upset about. I expect GB media expended some vitriol though. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/24 "2024-12-06T18:41:35Z")
Not sure what thread this belongs in, but there are reports that Bill Belichick is interviewing with UNC for the HC job next year. > **[North Carolina interviews Bill Belichick: Super Bowl-winning coach lends...](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/north-carolina-interviews-bill-belichick-super-bowl-winning-coach-lends-legitimacy-to-top-power-four-job/)** > > Regardless if UNC hires Belichick -- or if he's even truly interested -- his interview shows this job will be coveted There are plenty of hot takes that this is just a ploy to get NFL teams interested in him again. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2024, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/25 "2024-12-06T20:10:44Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > there are reports that Bill Belichick is interviewing with UNC for the HC job next year. I find that interesting that UNC would even talk to him, given that he has absolutely zero college coaching experience. The few coaches who have been successful after going from the NFL to college had actually started their careers in the college ranks before trying their luck in the NFL. Examples of this are Jim Harbaugh and Steve Spurrier. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2024, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/26 "2024-12-06T21:42:41Z")
> **[NFL ends probe of Watson in latest assault case](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42818069/nfl-ends-probe-browns-watson-latest-sexual-assault-case)** > > The NFL has ended its review of sexual assault allegations levied against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in September, a league spokesperson told ESPN. Another case washed down the river. If I’m ever in trouble with the law, I want the NFL to be in charge of the PROBE. With this case out of the way - just two more to go!! - we can expect Watson to once again attain his previous heights as an NFL QB. Or continue to rapidly decline in all phases of the game. “In October, lawyers for both sides [told ESPN the case had been resolved](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story?_slug_=new-lawsuit-deshaun-watson-resolved-lawyer-says&id=41670258). Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the woman who was suing Watson, told ESPN that there was a confidential settlement.” With his fully guaranteed contract, money is no object. 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2024, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/27 "2024-12-07T00:12:10Z")
> [@smithsb](#): > > I wasn’t happy about the pass completion by Detroit just prior. Detroit reciever had both hands in the chest of the DB and pushed off. Seemed egregious to me, a complete non-entity wondering about ‘what are penalties’. > > Bigger things to be upset about. I expect GB media expended some vitriol though. I read through all of the articles on the local Green Bay paper’s website about the game today, as well as a number of recap and game notes articles on the Packers’ web site, and didn’t see a mention of it. They _did_ mention the offensive pass interference call against Packers WR Christian Watson, which wiped out their go-ahead touchdown prior to the Lions’ final drive, and how it likely wasn’t an intentional pick play, but just two guys running into each other. Mostly, the coverage focused on: - The Packers offense taking way too long to get rolling in the game - Their injury-depleted secondary simply wasn’t able to stop the Lions in the second half ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2024, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/28 "2024-12-07T01:51:54Z")
My eyeball report watching much of the game on Thursday saw two teams with competent defenses but **outstanding** offenses that were basically trading blows back and forth as they scored almost at will in the second half. Both teams were scary. I’m not surprised it came down to the wire. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2024, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/29 "2024-12-08T18:10:36Z")
It really wasn’t as big of a gamble as people are making it out to be. Our defense was so depleted going into the game that the commentators joked that “several of the defensive players are introducing themselves to their teammates as they take the field”. Then we lose _two_ of our remaining defensive starters during the game (Alim McNeill and Brian Branch), to the point where a “who is that?” backup linebacker had to suddenly go up and play tackle. If you were Campbell, would you honestly think that that defense had a better chance of stopping Love from gaining 30 yards to get into at least field goal range to tie it up again, or that your almost totally healthy powerhouse offense could convert a 4th _and inches_? Watching Tom Grossi (huge Packers fan but still a great YouTuber despite that flaw 😉) livestream the game, his reaction at the end showed Campbell made a smart choice: when Grossi thought we got into field goal range and would kick it and then GB would have the ball back, he was _happy_ about it. He felt they had a good chance to tie it back up or win. If we didn’t convert the 4th down, worst case is that GB gets the ball back anyway like they would have if we had just gone for the FG. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2024, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/30 "2024-12-08T18:24:37Z")
All good points, but as MMM said: > [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > But it wasn’t the end-of-game one that turned my stomach upside down, it was the earlier (failed) attempt when they went for it from their own 30 yard line. That second to last 4th down attempt, where the Lions went for it on 4th at their own 30 and failed, set up the Packers in great field position which got them some easy points. If the Lions had punted then, maybe it would have prevented the Packers from tying the game near the end. But again, I’m done yelling at the screen when Campbell goes off Campbelling. Can’t argue with the overall result so far. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2024, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/31 "2024-12-08T19:02:43Z")
I agree with you about that one, but I find it fascinating that apparently analytics said he _should_ go for it then. For me, I don’t necessarily mind going for it on your own 30 _if_ they had done a different play. I think the original plan had been a qb sneak but they changed it because of something they saw on the defense. That’s fine and the back up play would have worked if (IIRC) I think St Brown and Sewell had contained their people better. That allowed them to snuff Gibbs. But I guess that falls under execution fail instead. ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/32 "2024-12-09T00:46:53Z")
Wow. My Eagles win, barely!! This Bryce Young kid is very good on Panthers. Meanwhile, the Bills??? I’m surprised the Rams scored 44. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/33 "2024-12-09T00:57:25Z")
I really thought the Browns might win. Poo. This doesn’t help my Ravens. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/34 "2024-12-09T01:07:45Z")
The Bears saw very little in the way of “bounce” from the firing of Matt Eberflus, and the elevation of Thomas Brown to interim head coach. They lost to the Niners, 38-13; despite the fact that the Niners were missing many key players (RBs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, OT Trent Williams, WR Brandon Ayuk, DL Nick Bosa), the Bears were outgained by nearly 300 yards (452-162). In the first half, the Bears had only **4** net yards of offense. Caleb Williams threw two touchdown passes, but was also sacked seven times – he’s now been sacked 56 times through 13 games, by far the most in the league. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/35 "2024-12-09T01:19:29Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > In the first half, the Bears had only **4** net yards of offense. Including -3 passing IIRC. Ouch. > [@Locrian](#): > > Meanwhile, the Bills??? I’m surprised the Rams scored 44. Running it in at 1st and Goal from the 1 seemed so arrogant to me. They treated it as an automatic score and failed, forcing them to waste a timeout and causing them to need an onside kick to win (which they failed to do of course). If Allen had dropped back to pass, they could have taken multiple shots with very little risk and saved the timeouts because they needed all 3 to have any kind of real chance. I’d say whoever made that call cost them the game. What a stupid gamble. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/36 "2024-12-09T01:43:09Z")
“Reports” this morning were that the 49ers are planning on signing Brock Purdy to an extension this offseason. Big shocker, there! Then he throws 20/25 for 325 yds and 2 TDs. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/37 "2024-12-09T01:58:56Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I’d say whoever made that call cost them the game. What a stupid gamble. But then they ran it again on second down. And scored. Actually, after first down, they could have lined up and snapped it, maybe costing them 15 seconds. Still would have had time, after the kickoff, to call 3 timeouts and forced a punt. They only needed a field goal to win. But you’re right. That timeout cost them any chance of winning, unless they recovered the onside kick. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/38 "2024-12-09T02:00:33Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > That timeout cost them any chance of winning, unless they recovered the onside kick. And I believe that those are being recovered at a 7% success rate this season. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/39 "2024-12-09T02:17:32Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > And I believe that those are being recovered at a 7% success rate this season Worse than that, if I counted correctly from [this](https://www.footballdb.com/statistics/nfl/player-stats/kickoffs/2024/regular-season?sort=koyds) database. 41 onside attempts, 2 recovered. Less than 5%. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119/40 "2024-12-09T02:21:58Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Worse than that, if I counted correctly from [this](https://www.footballdb.com/statistics/nfl/player-stats/kickoffs/2024/regular-season?sort=koyds) database. > > 41 onside attempts, 2 recovered. Less than 5%. Historically, IIRC, the onside recovery rate was around ~15%, though that stat probably baked in the (very small) number of “surprise” onside kicks, which are no longer allowed at all. Regardless, 15% or so is, IMO, high enough to be reasonably feasible (especially if you have a kicker who has some skill), but low enough to still be heavily weighted in the receiving team’s favor. Even before this year, changes to the rules on kicking teams (prohibiting putting more than 5 players on one side of the kicker, prohibiting the kick coverage team from being in motion before the kick) had already lowered the success rate. As a lifelong student of the kicking game, the current low recovery rate is dumb, and I don’t think that the league’s tinkering is helping. They really need to just get rid of it, and switch out to something like the “[4th and 15](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/xfl-fourth-and-15-onside-kick-rule-nfl/zkbjqqnnoucejbbhjzklak8i)” play as a replacement. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-14/1011119.md?page=3)