Why going for it on 4th down is stupid (this season)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After several NFL teams failed to convert on fourth down last Sunday, Carrington Harrison has a message for NFL coaches: “Take the points, dummy!” the host of 96.5 The Fan said Friday morning on FOX4’s Red Friday show .

Harrison pointed out that the Atlanta Falcons may well have beaten the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, if the Falcons had “taken the points.”

The Chiefs’ defense stuffed the Falcons on two 4 ^th down attempts and won by five.

“If they kick in those spots, they win,” Harrison said.

In recent years, advocates for football analytics have argued, on paper, it makes sense for teams to go for it on fourth down.

“The game isn’t played on a spreadsheet!” Harrison joked.

Harrison also noted offensive scoring, league-wide, is down so far this year, making the point for bringing out the kicker and dispatching with the brinksmanship.

“Take the points!”

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