Raheem Morris Bluntly Explains Thinking Behind Going For It Late

With a 17-14 lead, their first of the game in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris made what was, at the time, a controversial decision.

On 4th-and-1 at the Cleveland five-yard line, Morris elected to go for it rather than attempt a chip-shot field goal that would have given the Buccaneers a six-point lead with just over 30 seconds left in the game.

And Morris was quick in his explanation when asked about the decision after the game.

“Defensive-minded head coach,” said Morris. “I’m going to make them go 95-yards to beat us. No way. Go for it.”

Quarterback Josh Freeman was sacked for a six-yard loss on the play, and the Browns took over on their own 11-yard line. But Jake Delhomme would not have to go 95 yards to beat the Buccaneers. He had 34 seconds to cross midfield and set-up what could be a game-tying field goal and take their chances in overtime.

They would never get the chance.

A sideline pass to Chansi Stuckey was complete near midfield, but he was unable to get out of bounds and the clock ran out on the Browns before they could line up for another snap.

As with any decision like this, it looks good in hindsight because it worked out. Had Stuckey gotten out of bounds and the Browns moved on to kick a game-tying field goal, Monday's conversation would be much different.

Instead, the Buccaneers won in come-from-behind fashion, 17-14, to get their first season-opening win since 2005. They travel to Carolina to face the Panthers next Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT.

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