...would be to continue with the usual playbook. In that situation, the opposing defense is going to key in on preventing first downs. That should make the defense more vulnerable to an offense that keeps playing to its strengths. More than likely, the Rams would get at least one first down with that approach, and that would probably suffice to win the game. If you go into a shell and punt after three downs, you are putting the game in the hands of a formidable offense, and the Rams were very lucky that the Chiefs didn't at least get a FG to tie it up. If you play the odds and carefully look at all of the percentages, I believe it is obvious that you don't want to go into a shell at that point of a 54-51 shootout.