Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich may have turned a tie into a loss for his team on Sunday, but he says he’d do the same again.
With 24 seconds left in overtime and the game tied, Reich elected to go for it on 4th and 4 from the Colts’ 43. Indianapolis could have punted and likely salvaged a tie, but the conversion attempt failed and the Houston Texans were able to move the ball into field goal range to kick the game-winner.
Reich said after the game that he’d go for it every time in that situation.
Frank Reich on the 4th down call: “I’ll just address it now. We’re not playing to tie. We’re going for it 10 times out of 10.”
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) September 30, 2018
Reich had the backing of quarterback Andrew Luck, who said he and his teammates “loved” the decision.
Luck on 4th down call in OT:
“We had a discussion and I put my stamp of approval on it. I love it. I’m sick to my stomach we couldn’t get it. We are not going to play for a tie. Everyone in that lockeroom likes that. They love it. ” pic.twitter.com/BIEOdQxUet
— Tricia Whitaker (@TriciaWhitaker) September 30, 2018
It’s an admirable stance to take, but the odds weren’t great on conversion and the risks outweighed the benefits. Reich’s job is to win games, but barring that, he needs to avoid losing them. His decision here contributed to a defeat.
It’s only the latest unusual decision Reich has made since taking over the Colts. This will be his most controversial one yet.
