You will sit here, and watch the replay of Quin batting the ball down, and you will tell me that it was better than him catching it?
Is that correct? That's what you're saying?
I will defend the theology of it, but that play in practice was not executed correctly. It's a fallacy to say that because the play turned out poorly, the idea behind it is incorrect as well.
This is not about rubbing it into the opponent and "getting another possession." This is about ending the game.
I agree. And both plays would end the game. You bat the ball down, it becomes near impossible to catch it. Again, don't talk about the end result, I'm saying in theory, changing the trajectory of the ball at that point of its flight is extremely difficult to make a play on. I also agree that catching the ball would end the game. Both plays end the game. To disagree is to only look at the result of the play and condemn the idea based solely on that.
Today, the CRAPPY COACHING of "You need to bat that ball down" is erased. It was sent packing with David Gibbs who is atrocious and was an outcast from the Chiefs who couldn't do anything there before coming here. It was erased when we got BALLERS like Manning and Joseph who don't subscribe to this idea of batting down passes when you can catch them.
I don't understand how you can ignore what we're saying. I am far from saying that players shouldn't go for interceptions. I am saying that depending on the situation, mentality should change. I don't think players should be content with batting down the ball defensively. UNLESS. Big unless here. Unless the outcome remains the same.
In Quin's case, batting down teh ball and intercepting the ball (if done properly) would both end in the same result: a win. Why attempt an interception, a more difficult play, over batting it down? If you don't believe batting it down is easier, then I suppose we have another disagreement, and again, I do believe batting it down versus catching it depends on situation. If it's lofting there, and you're isolated, by all means, catch it. But when you're surrounded by other players jockeying for position, all intent on getting that ball, I'm not so sure.
Can you not see the difference? Last year, hardly any interceptions. This year, it's gone through the roof in only four weeks. Different coaches, different players in the secondary, and you've got a whole different way of approaching deep passes.
I can't stand the idea that batting down a ball is preferable to catching it. It rages against the very idea of defending and stopping an offense. There is ZERO situation where a defender should be coached to bat a ball down rather than catch it if he's under it and can catch it. Let players PLAY.
So...on fourth and 30 surrounded by offensive players, you'd like the defensive player to intercept it? I'd bat it down and get the free yardage.
