re: #28 Smith25’s Liberal Thighs

Both offenses had performed not well for a quarter and a half. Patriots defense had momentum. Because it is not Sudden Death OT anymore, and Bellichek trusts his defense, he made a field position gamble. Forcing the Jets to go 80 to beat you is a calculated risk, with a high reward value. Got the best kicker in the league. Jets start at their own 20. Likely he thinks, they can force a punt and give Brady and the offense the ball at about their own 35. Do that, get 30 yards for a make-able FG by Gotskowski.

Is it possible the Pats actually wanted Slater to “defer” and if the Jets took the ball, they would then select the wind? By selecting to “kick” they got neither the ball, or wind.

(I could easily be wrong)