February 2, 2004

Down to a science  

Here's an interesting article (via Will Baude and his econ prof) about the Patriots and 4th down. I'm not exactly a football enthusiast, but I did notice that fourth down play in the game against my hometown Colts two weeks back - that play led to the Patriots' only touchdown in the game, if I remember correctly. I have to say, I've often wondered why teams don't take advantage of the fourth down more often, it doesn't seem very American to waste a fourth of your offense on slowing down your opponent... reminds me a little of 19th century chess players who always took a gambit, rational calculation be damned.

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