Not really surprised the Pats threw with under 2 minutes left. Very lucky, of course, but they needed a first to run out the clock w/o handing the ball back to KC. This is very similar to the game, I think maybe around 2006, when BB went for it on 4th and the pass to Faulk ended up short. He prefers to give the offense a chance to win the game when they are in a position to do so. The run wasn't doing anything, especially after Jackson on 1st down got stuffed, so he figured 2 passes on 2d and 3d, one would work. TB forced it and they were lucky it was not picked. He has to make a better decision there and on the lefty pass, where he should have eaten it and let the clock run. Another run and a punt would have eaten more than a minute or burned KC time outs
The game reminded me of 2006 - 11 when the team lacked an ability to run the clock out with a lead late. Last year, Blount and others fixed that somewhat, but the 2006 AFC championship game, the 2007 superbowl, and the 2011 superbowl all had the Pats blowing big late leads because they were not capable of having a realistic chance of picking up 1st downs late without passing. I never felt the lead was comfortable yesterday because I thought KC could mount a drive at any time. The 3d down defense was horrible for the Pats all day. Thank you KC for huddling on the last drive rather than letting Smith win the game. It will forever be known as The Other Long March.
Mitlen can probably tell you about the first Long March. Would have been several months shorter if Mao had listened to his wife and asked for direction.
