11-09-2013, 07:05 PM
Quote:As you would expect any head coach to do, Leslie Frazier defended calling timeouts on Washington's last drive:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000...gs-players
The part about making sure his defense was tired sounds like what a lame duck coach would say.
In Leslie Frazier's defense, the Vikings only had 6 Defensive Lineman available for the game. In addition, because of injuries, the Vikings were missing most of the Secondary that started the season.
This is one of those situations I understand and respect both viewpoints ( whether to use the Defensive timeouts or not. ).
IMO, the first timeout the Vikings used was a decision I agreed with. The Redskins were around the Vikings 25 yard line with around 1:20 remaining in the game. At that point, it was more important for the Vikings Defense to be fresh and making sure everyone knew their assignments.
On the other hand, I disagreed with the 2nd timeout. There was around 38 seconds left. The Redskins had the ball around the Vikings 8 yard line and a 1st Down. At that point, the clock was much more of a significant factor.
As it turned out, the Vikings got a huge break on the 2nd Down play that followed. It looked like TE Jordan Reed was held near the goalline by LB Erin Henderson. However, a Defensive Holding Penalty or Pass Interference Penalty wasn't called. If the Penalty was called, the 2nd timeout that Frazier called could have easily cost the Vikings the game.