Panthers HC Frank Reich explains decision to kick 59-yard field goal in critical moment vs Bears
For Panthers coach Frank Reich, it made more sense to attempt a long-distance field goal to tie a game than to trust his quarterback, who had just converted two fourth downs, to win it. Or at least get closer for a three-point try.
If you’re a Panthers fan, you’re probably still wondering what into the decision for Reich to send out kicker Eddy Pineiro for a 59-yard field goal attempt. The score was 16-13 in favor of the Bears. And there still was plenty of time on the clock, with 1 minute, 44 seconds remaining.
Plus, the Panthers offense had kept the ball for more than 5 minutes as they plodded for 50 yards. Bryce Young converted two fourth downs on the 15-play drive.
But facing a fourth-and-10, Reich sent out Pineiro for the field goal, which would tie the game and place the Panthers in position for overtime at Soldier Field. For the season, Pineiro had made three of his four attempts from beyond 50 yards. But his career long was 56.
The boot was far short. Take another look at it:
Panthers coach said there were ‘mixed opinions’ on FG attempt
So why did Reich go with the field goal instead of gambling that his offense could convert another fourth down with lots of time on the clock?
“It was a tough decision,” Reich said of the long-distance field goal attempt. “There were mixed opinions on what we should do. That’s my call. I’ve seen us make 60-yarders in practice. Felt like there was a little bit of a breeze at our back. If you just look at the pure percentages, I think the pure percentage play is to kick it.”
Reich added: “Do I second guess myself over it? I mean, yeah, after we missed it, yeah I did,” Reich told reporters. “The one reason why maybe you go for it there — even though the percentage play is to kick it — is because if we make it, we still have a chance to win the game, and not just tie. There was time left, it wasn’t like there was just 20 seconds to go. So yeah, that thought did go through my mind.”
The Bears took over and ran out the clock to win the game, their third victory of the season. The Panthers fell to an NFL worst 1-8.
After the game. reports suggested that Bryce Young was visibly upset. The rookie quarterback vented his frustrations with his teammates in post-game. Then he sat on a bench in front of his locker, looking straight ahead as everyone else walked to the team buses. The Panthers’ passing game coordinator sat next to him. Then Andy Dalton, Young’s No. 2, came to talk to him.
This Panthers loss probably felt worse than all the others.