Why is Running Up the Score Frowned Upon in the NFL?

[Zacky1053]

No one cares when Oregon beats North Southwestern Montana State 79-0 in college football but when the Patriots beat the Colts 59-24 (in a game that was competitive early) it's a disgrace.

And it's not just about the Gronk injury I've heard the Pats criticized for this before.

I'm confused.

[zonacats8]

Because when Oregon does something like that, the second half of those points is from backups who don't get to play much and generally done by running it almost every play.

In the NFL it's just a bit disrespectful to be passing when your up 20+ with 10 minutes to go

[solt0131]

Would you want your 15 million dollar QB in the game throwing the ball around with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter while up 28 points? Don't you think that increases the odds of a possible cheap shot by a 2nd or 3rd string guy?

[Metsfan1121]

Also, I may be wrong but don't the margins of victory count in BCS rankings?

[burke23]

Running up the score seems like a bad idea if you use your stars/starters to do it. I have no problem with trying to move the ball with a comfortable lead, but I don't want peyton manning's neck or AP's reconstructed knee on the field if I'm the coach.

I do think using trickery to pad the lead is a douche move though - that's pointless.

[Grizz]

Also, I may be wrong but don't the margins of victory count in BCS rankings?

Not any longer for this very reason.

[Clarka3]

if the backups are the ones in and still killing the other team, fair game. if you keep the starters in, enjoy speaking to the media when your star gets injured in garbage time.

[Grizz]

if the backups are the ones in and still killing the other team, fair game. if you keep the starters in, enjoy speaking to the media when your star gets injured in garbage time.

Prime example - Derrick Rose. :(

[indyguy]

As a Colts fan, with the Patriots rivalry, I wasn't surprised they were still throwing the ball that late in the game. It didn't really tick me off seeing as how this rivalry has gone. But, I do find some solace in the fact that Gronk is out for a bit because of The Sweatshirt's greed.

[Zacky1053]

As a Colts fan, with the Patriots rivalry, I wasn't surprised they were still throwing the ball that late in the game. It didn't really tick me off seeing as how this rivalry has gone. But, I do find some solace in the fact that Gronk is out for a bit because of The Sweatshirt's greed.

Didn't a number of turnovers give them great field position in the second half though?

Tom Brady only had 320 passing yards or so so it's not like he was slinging it for 500 to run up his own numbers.

I didn't see the game so if I'm wrong let me know.

[briscogun]

It's not. You don't like losing 59 to whatever? Then stop 'em. If you are a football offense, and you have possesion of the ball, its your job to score. That's the object of the game. In college you can put your 2nd string in, and the pros do it, too, but mostly to avoid injury to the starters.

[indyguy]

Not any longer for this very reason.

But still could be used since part of the vote is human vote. Just isn't a "calculated adjustment" in the formula.

[03supto]

No one cares when Oregon beats North Southwestern Montana State 79-0 in college football but when the Patriots beat the Colts 59-24 (in a game that was competitive early) it's a disgrace.

And it's not just about the Gronk injury I've heard the Pats criticized for this before.

I'm confused.

because they're all "professionals" and they're supposed to act "like they've been there before"...

but i'm all about it if the other team is talking shlt....

[indyguy]

Didn't a number of turnovers give them great field position in the second half though?

Tom Brady only had 320 passing yards or so so it's not like he was slinging it for 500 to run up his own numbers.

I didn't see the game so if I'm wrong let me know.

There were two INTs in the second half. One returned 87 yards for a TD. One returned for 20 yards (I think) to around the NE 40. There were also big plays like Edelman's 47 yard run and 49 yard punt return. They were going to throw the ball regardless since that is their offense. I don't care if they scored all those points on offense, that is just what they do. I think all of NE's pass plays are designed for 11 yards. I got tired of hearing, "Player X catches the ball for 11 yards."

[ernieren]

Every time the Pats run up the score people get all ticked off that they kept playing the game. Sorry but this is the NFL your playing against top players!!! Your not #1 in college playing some no name team that has no chance at all. The game yesterday was very close. Then the Pats took control 45 -24 was still close for Luck to get his team back into it. You don't give up in in the Pro's until the end . I didn't see them going for it on 4th down or throwing bombs . It was all field position and the Pats moving the chains . People need to get over it these players make MILLIONS !!! Your defense should stop the team if not sorry about your luck. When the Bears whipped up on the Titans a few weeks ago i heard nothing on it. But when the Pats beat someone bad its all you hear.

[indyguy]

Don't forget, Ryan Mallet came in for the last series of the game for New England!

[CUHATIN]

When i read this Drew Brees and the saints came to mind. They can be up 40 and still taking shots down field.

[Headbando5]

Screw it- run the score up I say! They're professionals playing professionals. Make a statement.

[calculusdork]

I don't understand what the big deal is either man, especially in a sport where many of the players regularly exemplify unsportsmanlike conduct and "me-first" attitudes.

[Drdduet]

It's not up to any one team to stop itself, it's up to the opposing team.

Pull the reins back to soon and a team risks a loss.

[Zacky1053]

Baltimore faked a FG last week when they were up 41-17 late in the third that resulted in a TD.

If that were the Pats it would've been run down people's throats.

[SacGWYNN19]

Karma = broken forearm. You don't run no huddle shotgun plays with 11 minutes to go in the 4th quarter when you are up by 21. That play cost Gronk the rest of the regular season, and that is pure ignorance.

[asujbl]

Guys might as well turn in their paychecks if they are just going to play half assed. Score 100. If the PROFESSIONAL defensive players can't stop you then they shouldn't be in the league to begin with.

[RedSoxFan28]

Running up the score is fine unless you are on the other side of it. The Pat's didn't do any "trick" plays or cheap plays in the fourth. It's a grown mans game if you don't like that the other team is "running up" the score then stop them. Anyways reports have said Gronk had injured his forearm earlier in the game and played through it.

[crd1224]

Karma = broken forearm. You don't run no huddle shotgun plays with 11 minutes to go in the 4th quarter when you are up by 21. That play cost Gronk the rest of the regular season, and that is pure ignorance.

21 isnt really that much, the way luck throws the ball they could score in 45 seconds. plus brady was running the ball until 3rd down when he passed to keep the drive alive. and also plays like the int's, punt returns and Edelmans run are just plays that happen, u dont plan for those. at that point they werent running up the score, they were taking all the mistakes that the colts made and just managing the game, the points just so happened to follow.

[FreeMan12406]

Smash the whiny babies. If you can't stop them scoring, you don't belong in the NFL. If you can't handle them scoring afterwards, you are a giant baby.

[Cades]

Only pats haters don't like it, other teams run up the score, not a word would/has been said

[Cades]

21 isnt really that much, the way luck throws the ball they could score in 45 seconds. plus brady was running the ball until 3rd down when he passed to keep the drive alive. and also plays like the int's, punt returns and Edelmans run are just plays that happen, u dont plan for those. at that point they werent running up the score, they were taking all the mistakes that the colts made and just managing the game, the points just so happened to follow.

Gonna need to you take the common sense and facts elsewhere

[King23dog]

The whole running the score up thing to me is stupid. These are ALL NFL players!

If ya don't like them scoring then stop it. It's as simple as that.

I think running up the score in college is more disrespectful when like you said a school like Oregon is playing a small school but as long as their starters are out then its irrelevant and I don't know why this topic is even brought up. The only time I would ever complain about a score being ran up is if a top 5 college was playing like a community school and still had their starters in when they are up 50+. Simply because there is obviously a difference in talent.

But the pros? Come on now. They are all professional athletes there's no such thing as the score being ran up.

[pac213up]

21 isnt really that much, the way luck throws the ball they could score in 45 seconds. plus brady was running the ball until 3rd down when he passed to keep the drive alive. and also plays like the int's, punt returns and Edelmans run are just plays that happen, u dont plan for those. at that point they werent running up the score, they were taking all the mistakes that the colts made and just managing the game, the points just so happened to follow.

Besides Gronk was on the bench for that drive.

[BostonNut]

I'm passing out skirts for anyone interested. PM me your address...

[freethrowtommy]

I'm passing out skirts for anyone interested. PM me your address...

Figures that you would be the one with all the skirts...

[duwal]

Karma = broken forearm. You don't run no huddle shotgun plays with 11 minutes to go in the 4th quarter when you are up by 21. That play cost Gronk the rest of the regular season, and that is pure ignorance.


how is that karma? 21 points with 11 minutes to go is still plenty of time for an opposing team to come back. It is ignorance if a team has a 3 score lead in the fourth and starts pulling their starters thinking the game is an automatic lock because of a pretty substantial lead. Dallas scored 17 points in the 4th quarter to go to OT and win. Houston scored 14 points in the last 5 and a half minutes to tie the game and win in OT. You don't want to be the coach that lost a game you had in hand because you decided to put the team on cruise control


Oct. 30, 2000 - Jets were down 30-7 in the 4th quarter...end of the game was Jets 40- Dolphins 37

in 1987 St. Louis overcame a 25 point lead in the 4th quarter to beat Tamba Bay 31-28


Now is it very unlikely that it would happen. Absolutely but as long as the possibility is very much there coaches need to do what they can to protect their lead

[duwal]

The whole running the score up thing to me is stupid. These are ALL NFL players!

If ya don't like them scoring then stop it. It's as simple as that.

I think running up the score in college is more disrespectful when like you said a school like Oregon is playing a small school but as long as their starters are out then its irrelevant and I don't know why this topic is even brought up. The only time I would ever complain about a score being ran up is if a top 5 college was playing like a community school and still had their starters in when they are up 50+. Simply because there is obviously a difference in talent.

But the pros? Come on now. They are all professional athletes there's no such thing as the score being ran up.

the other thing is what exactly is the team with the sizable lead supposed to do during their possession. Start doing kneeldowns late in the 3rd quarter so that they don't march down the field and score again? Fumble on purpose to the other team to see if they can get the ball and make the score a bit closer??

[bigzig]

I didn't get to see the 4th qtr. Had it dvr'ed, but haven't been able to watch it yet.

My opinion is the way the Colts played yesterday, they deserved getting stomped on. Peyton brought the Colts back vs Tampa Bay 21 pts in under 4 1/2 minutes. You never know what could happen so score when you can.

[BostonNut]

Figures that you would be the one with all the skirts...

My wife owns a clothing store. Sue me...

[BostonNut]

Shhhhhh....don't try to use reason...it doesn't go over well. You MUST bring your pitchfork and torch to fit in.

how is that karma? 21 points with 11 minutes to go is still plenty of time for an opposing team to come back. It is ignorance if a team has a 3 score lead in the fourth and starts pulling their starters thinking the game is an automatic lock because of a pretty substantial lead. Dallas scored 17 points in the 4th quarter to go to OT and win. Houston scored 14 points in the last 5 and a half minutes to tie the game and win in OT. You don't want to be the coach that lost a game you had in hand because you decided to put the team on cruise control


Oct. 30, 2000 - Jets were down 30-7 in the 4th quarter...end of the game was Jets 40- Dolphins 37

in 1987 St. Louis overcame a 25 point lead in the 4th quarter to beat Tamba Bay 31-28


Now is it very unlikely that it would happen. Absolutely but as long as the possibility is very much there coaches need to do what they can to protect their lead

[WilsonValdez]

Running up the score- with 11 min left and up 21 points....really? :rolleyes:

Maybe they should've just kneeled down every play and give them a chance to come back.

[freethrowtommy]

My wife owns a clothing store. Sue me...

I don't judge...

[ssbledsoe]

I didn't get to see the 4th qtr. Had it dvr'ed, but haven't been able to watch it yet.

My opinion is the way the Colts played yesterday, they deserved getting stomped on. Peyton brought the Colts back vs Tampa Bay 21 pts in under 4 1/2 minutes. You never know what could happen so score when you can.

Absolutely! Luck is a good QB. It wouldn't have shocked me to see him rattle off a TD. See the DEF force a punt after a 3 and out. Score another TD and then be an onside kick and another TD away from a tie ball game.
For those that think its "improbable" "delusional" "paranoid", you haven't watched the Pats DEF this season. The previous week, at home, the PATS pass D made Ryan Fitzpatrick look like an NFL QB, again...

[duwal]

Shhhhhh....don't try to use reason...it doesn't go over well. You MUST bring your pitchfork and torch to fit in.


starting to understand that with some members here. Can't help it, it's the attorney in myself looking to find reasonable doubt and conclusive evidence to support my points :)!

[ilovethelakings]

I'm passing out skirts for anyone interested. PM me your address...

Even though I'm not whining, I would like one of those skirts. Do you have them in black or dark blue?

[Copeskey45]

I look at it like this. If you are up then run the ball. If the defense can't stop the run game, that's their own fault. What is the offense supposed to do? Take 3 QB kneels in a row, then punt?

[BostonNut]

So the defense can put eight in the box and smother the running back and potentially cause an injury? No thanks.

I look at it like this. If you are up then run the ball. If the defense can't stop the run game, that's their own fault. What is the offense supposed to do? Take 3 QB kneels in a row, then punt?

[BostonNut]

Even though I'm not whining, I would like one of those skirts. Do you have them in black or dark blue?

I have them in LA Kings purple and black...

[Cades]

I look at it like this. If you are up then run the ball. If the defense can't stop the run game, that's their own fault. What is the offense supposed to do? Take 3 QB kneels in a row, then punt?

Which is pretty much what the pats were doing, other then to get first downs.

Before this game the pats prevent offense have been doing what you suggest, has cost them games to remain extremely close when they shouldn't have been.

[mgugs46]

Karma = broken forearm. You don't run no huddle shotgun plays with 11 minutes to go in the 4th quarter when you are up by 21. That play cost Gronk the rest of the regular season, and that is pure ignorance.

He could have been injured on any play. You pull all your regulars, then you have your special teams guys playing much more than regular and they have a better shot of getting hurt. Its just silly.

To answer the OP question its not a big deal - unless its the Patriots, or another team who happens to dominate the NFL for a decade that everyone hates.

[Cades]

If the Pats would have went on cruise control with 11 minutes left and lost the game, what kind of posts and threads would we have seen then?


OMGZ!!1111 karma for going on cruise control thinking you have the game in hand!!!1111

[Codyfinesse]

A few years back the jets and favre put a whooping down on my cardinals and kept pushing in the fourth. Put down like 60 on us...I said Damn my team needs to play harder! I didn't cry about running up the score.

This is the nlf I would be upset if these teams didn't play hard till the end.

Patriots to the super bowl!

[Carrbeaz]

When i read this Drew Brees and the saints came to mind. They can be up 40 and still taking shots down field.

They were on the 15 against the raiders on Sunday and were kneeling it with 1:45 on the clock.

[FanboyOfNone]

Eh, I don't see a problem with it. Teams can and have made huge fourth quarter comebacks. Stomp them out. Blowout my team by 40? Fine. More game tape to study.

Giants were tearing up my Cowboys in the first half last we met. 24 points up? We got 24 unanswered and made it a game. Always be scoring.

[BostonNut]

The Pats scored 21 points in 58 seconds tonight.

You can never have a big enough lead in the NFL.

[ssbledsoe]

The Pats scored 21 points in 58 seconds tonight.

You can never have a big enough lead in the NFL.

I hope the Pats drop another 59 tonight!

[mgugs46]

I hope the Pats drop another 59 tonight!

I'd like them to hit 60 for once :eek:

[BostonNut]

I hope the Pats drop another 59 tonight!

For the sake of a lot of butt-hurt Blowout Patriots haters...I hope not...there's not enough tissues in the world for this place.

[ssbledsoe]

I'd like them to hit 60 for once :eek:

To hell with 60, bust off a century

[ssbledsoe]

For the sake of a lot of butt-hurt Blowout Patriots haters...I hope not...there's not enough tissues in the world for this place.

Maxi pads? Tampons?

[The Card Album]

I as a fan frown on guys like Belichick keeping their starters in longer than they need to be and still running an aired out offense just because they can. If it's a case where some backups come in and they still follow the normal gameplan/flow of a regular game and keep putting up points, then I'll sit back and enjoy the show (or curse it pending which side I'm on).

[ssbledsoe]

Brady just ran a QB sneak with a 22 point lead...

[creamybeige]

Brady just ran a QB sneak with a 22 point lead...

from the 1/2 yard line for a TD.

Not like it was a a 2nd and 2 on the 50 yard line....

[ssbledsoe]

from the 1/2 yard line for a TD.

Not like it was a a 2nd and 2 on the 50 yard line....

Are the Pats officially running it up? Ridley TD run after a play action bomb Brady-Welker style?

[freethrowtommy]

Are the Pats officially running it up? Ridley TD run after a play action bomb Brady-Welker style?

No, because I have Ridley on my fantasy team and I need points.

[Carrbeaz]

These are pros. There is no excuse for the griping about running up the score.

[ssbledsoe]

No, because I have Ridley on my fantasy team and I need points.

Smart fella:)! I'm sporting Ridley, Pats DST, and Andre Johnson.

[freethrowtommy]

Smart fella:)! I'm sporting Ridley, Pats DST, and Andre Johnson.

Bold move, Cotton. Looks like it paid off for you.

[creamybeige]

Bold move, Cotton. Looks like it paid off for you.

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/250x250/27684827.jpg

[ssbledsoe]

Bold move, Cotton. Looks like it paid off for you.

Not really, my other option was the Titans...