I just saw the Patsies employ a deceptive pre-snap tactic that has always bugged me and I wanted to get other opinions. I've seen several offenses do things like this that you wouldn't think need to do it, like the Colts and Pats.
I understand deception is a part of the game. But this kind of stuff smacks a poor sportsmanship. Trying to get the defense to not even defend is not the same as pump-faking a pass or running a reverse. Once the ball is snapped, all deception is great because the defense is trying to defend. But this other stuff is intended to not even let the defense give an effort.
What do you think? Do you think it's just dandy to try to trick the defense into not playing? Is it okay to not let them switch players when obviously time isn't an issue? Doesn't this all violate basic sportsmanship?
For what it's worth, I don't remember the Broncos ever lowering themselves to such depths, although I could have forgotten. Why do supposed classy organizations employ such dodgy tactics? (Oh, I guess the Pats showed they're not above a lack of sportsmanship but why do the Colts do it?)
- In hurry-up situation, fake spiking the ball in order to get the defense to not play the down.
- I remember Manning and crew at the end of a half where the teams started walking into the locker room and then the Colts' offense runs back into formation hoping to get a free play with no set defense.
- Less deceptive but still annoying, also in hurry-up offenses but not 2-minute, snap the ball if the defense tries to swap players.
I understand deception is a part of the game. But this kind of stuff smacks a poor sportsmanship. Trying to get the defense to not even defend is not the same as pump-faking a pass or running a reverse. Once the ball is snapped, all deception is great because the defense is trying to defend. But this other stuff is intended to not even let the defense give an effort.
What do you think? Do you think it's just dandy to try to trick the defense into not playing? Is it okay to not let them switch players when obviously time isn't an issue? Doesn't this all violate basic sportsmanship?
For what it's worth, I don't remember the Broncos ever lowering themselves to such depths, although I could have forgotten. Why do supposed classy organizations employ such dodgy tactics? (Oh, I guess the Pats showed they're not above a lack of sportsmanship but why do the Colts do it?)
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