With 5:44 left in the third quarter, with a 41-17 lead over the Raiders, the Baltimore Ravens ran a fake field goal yesterday to the left side of the formation where they had the Raiders outnumbered.
After the game, head coach John Harbaugh explained the decision, stating that in the NFL, when you have the opportunity to score points, your obligated to take advantage.
"I wish we could say that we stand up there, and you guys might roll your eyes at this a little bit, but I wish you could say you stand up there and you feel like 'Hey, the game is out of hand' or 'We don't need those points.'"
"When I'm looking up at the clock and I'm seeing twenty five minutes left in the game, a lot of things can happen. Turnovers can happen, people can score quick. So if they're going to give us an opportunity for four points that we normally wouldn't have, then we just feel like we're obligated to take advantage of that." Harbaugh explained.
"We are trying to win the game, so if you can extend your lead, you really should do that in this league. There is just too much talent over there to assume that they can't get back in the football game, so that's what we do."
Interesting point.
Take a look at the fake field goal and defensive alignment up top for yourself, and hear more from coach Harbaugh below.