4th quarter, jets are down by 15. They score a touchdown to make it a 9 point game. Clearly, they should go for two points now. If they make it, they are only a td/pat down. If they don't get it, they are down by 9, and need two scores, but at least they have 12 minutes to do it. If they go for 1 point, and make it, they are still down 8. That means that should they score again, they'll HAVE to go for 2. If they don't get it, they'll need another score.

The main difference is that they'll "know" if they have to go for two scores much earlier in the game. Thus, they'll be able to adjust their strategy accordingly. It's so obvious that the right choice is to go for it first. The only reason they don't, is that the coach will be 2nd guessed if they fail earlier. B/c, for people who don't think it out, they'll think that doing it at that time is a "choice", but if you wait until the very last minute, you "have" to do it.

poor logic.

Of course, San diego blew it by deciding to kick a fieldgoal from the 1 foot line. Yes, an 11 point lead is "two scores" and thus much safer than an 8 point league. But, between these two scenerios, which is more likely?

LT can't gain a foot on 4th and goal. The Jets, with their injured offense, then march down the field for 99 yards. They then convert the two point conversion. Then, the chargers dont' score on their next possession (this is about all that can happen in the time left).

or.

Chargers kick the fieldgoal (and make it) and go up by 11. They then have to kick off. A good kickoff return leads to great fieldgoal position. Jets score quickly (either TD+2 or FG) and then stop the chargers. Then, they'd have time to score another TD or FG.


Clearly, the latter is more likely. That's why the chargers should have just gone for the TD. If they get it, they are up by two tds and 1 two point conversion. If they don't get it, the Jets are still at a huge disadvantage by being on their own one foot line.