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On the Tunney Side of the Street 30

by Jim Tunney

 

The question is often asked, "Where do you get your stories/material for your Tunney Side of Sports articles."  Johnny Carson used to answer that question by saying, "As long as Ronald Reagan is President, I will always have material."  I feel the same way about sports.  The 2010 NFL season continues to provide material; how about this one:
 
              Fairness vs. loyalty.  In week two, the Washington Redskins (1-0) played the Houston Texans (1-0) in Reliant Stadium.  The game was close throughout and with time about to expire, the Redskins sent kicker Graham Gano into kick a (52 yards) field goal for the win.  One second before the ball was snapped, Texans Coach Gary Kubiak quickly called time out to "freeze" the kicker.  A method others have used.  The ball was snapped and the kick went through for the win!
 
            But wait -- the line judge signaled time out just before the snap nullifying that successful field goal.  After the time out, the Redskins field goal team lined up to kick it again.  That kick was wide right.  The game remained tied and went into overtime.  The Texans won the coin toss and marched to within field goal range.  Kubiak sent in the Texans field goal team.  Neil Rackers, Texans kicker, lines up to kick what would be the winning points.  Did Redskins Coach Mike Shannahan call time out just before the snap?
 
            No, Coach Shanahan did the proper thing and let the play continue.  Rackers' field goal was 'good."  Houston won 30 - 27.  This procedure, while legal, needs to be changed.
 
                 Interesting that Quarterback Kubiak was drafted out of Texas A&M in 1983 by Shanahan, then the Denver Broncos Head Coach.  Kubiak played behind John Elway for 9 years, then was named the Broncos offensive coordinator for 11 years - all under the guidance of Shanahan. It was Shanahan's support and recommendation that helped Kubiak be selected as the Texans Head Coach in 2006.
 
            Curious that Kubiak did not learn the character trait that his teacher applied.  It is the hope and suggestion here that the NFL Competition Committee eliminates this procedure to take these kinds of decisions out of a coach's hands.

 

To learn more about Jim Tunney or if your organization would like to secure Jim as a speaker, please visit www.tunneysideofsports.com or email Jim at jim@jimtunney.com