Originally Posted by
mathdotcom
I have posted that it is almost a no brainer to go for it when success = tie game 14-14 vs. failure = 14-12. Kicking 1pt gets you a useless 14-13.
Others disagree because they fear 2 consecutive FGs by the other team which would create an 8pt lead which would've otherwise been only 7. Obviously the bigger (and more likely) concern is the other team scoring 1 FG which puts you down 4 when if you had gone for it you would be down only 3.
Professional coaches always follow the strategy of: only gamble if you absolutely have no other choice. It is a truly ridiculous philosophy and we often see teams punt 20 yards when facing 4th and 1 and down a couple TDs "because there is still time". What is even more shameful is the announcers backing them.