Why did the Browns punt from the 29? Over-under bettors on Raiders total are very confused by decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Shedeur Sanders' win was the headline from the Cleveland Browns matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMost people had probably turned it off before the last key talking point even happened.
But with the Browns leading 24-10 and facing a fourth-and-2 from the Raiders' 29-yard line with 58 seconds left, Cleveland punted.
It has been a continued talking point this week, for one reason in particular: The game's total (over/under) was 36.5. Punting pretty much ensured it'd stay under, while a field goal would've pushed it over.
And really, when's the last time you saw a team punt from the 29?
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Why did the Browns punt from the 29?
The basic answer here is that the Browns wanted to avoid disaster.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt would've been almost impossible to lose from the game state they were in anyway.
But one way it could've gotten more dramatic would've been a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. Generally, a punt is safer to avoid a block on than a field goal.
The Browns could've just gone for it and ended the game with two yards, but with a rookie QB and RB, they must've decided that carried more risk, too.
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Pinning the Raiders even 15 or 20 yards deeper would make a comeback go from near-impossible to almost 100% impossible.
All's well that ends well, except for those who wagered on the over at 36.5.
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