Play Calling

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by Ramseyfan

Neither the running or passing game were sharp in the 2nd half. With enough time on the clock for San Diego to go score, Portis ran the ball in order to run the clock down and hopefully get yardage. Those were good calls in my book. Then, on 3rd and long, we try to pass the ball to get into field goal range. Another good call.

So, my question is, what exactly was wrong with those calls?

1-10-SD31 (1:04) C.Portis to SD 25 for 6 yards (B.Jue, D.Florence).
2-4-SD25 (:55) C.Portis right end to SD 25 for no gain (L.Castillo).
PENALTY on WAS-C.Rabach, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at SD 25 - No Play.
2-14-SD35 (:50) C.Portis left end to SD 35 for no gain (R.Godfrey).
3-14-SD35 (:40) M.Brunell pass incomplete to C.Cooley (S.Merriman).
4-14-SD35 (:35) J.Hall 52 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-E.Albright, Holder-D.Frost.

From the 35 you are already out of FG range, why are you running the ball instead of running a short pass? No gain leads to 3rd and long which plays right into the defenses hands.. On 2nd and 4 from the 25 why not throw a quick slant to Moss or Jacobs or a quick out to Cooley? Get the 1st, get a few more yds.. The mentality of 'playing it safe' is exactly why we have lost the past 3 games.