Your logic makes no sense here. No timeout was called and they still scored. Calling no timeouts gave us no time to mount a TD-winning comeback that we would have had if TO's were called
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So Fox was supposed to know there was going to be a roughing the passer penalty?
Look- the reality is that penalty was stupid, and ultimately the game.
First down, a run, and the bears stopped the clock with an injury.
second down, intentional grounding.
3rd and goal from the 12, and there is an incomplete pass.... should have been 4th and 12.
but the penalty gives them 1st and 6.
McPhee takes at least one extra step and possibly 2 after the ball is released, dives forward,
and then reaches out to swipe at staffords planted foot. If he was blocked in to stafford, maybe there would be no flag. but there was PLENTY of time for mcphee to realize the ball was gone- and he reached out to make contact anyway. I would guess that is the judgement behind throwing the flag.
So- Without the Mcphee brain cramp, the lions are 4th and 12 with the clock running when the ball is spotted... a fantastic position for any defense to be in to defend a single 12 yard pass to seal a game.
But- rather than realize a stupid-ass play took the defense from the best position possible to the worst position possible.... everyone choses to ***** about clock management in hindsight.
Beyond the reality above, If the bears start taking time outs, the lions could easily counter by running on 1st and 6.... burning the bears time outs without scoring.
So lets boil the argument down to bare bones- As a bear fan, What position would you rather see the bears in?
Needing to go 80 yards with a minute and change on the clock at best and no time outs? (and keep in mind, the lions likely would have tried a run or 2 to eat the clock, and the bears would not have the middle of the field as a passing option)
Or, would you feel more comfortable with the game coming down to Safford needing to score on 4th and 12?