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zn

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promomasterj
they had time for maybe 2 shots at the end zone and dopey just lets the clock run down to :03 and plays...for a tie!

Completely gutless. Maybe he didn't trust Bulger. If not, why the hell was he starting the game?

He didn't trust Bulger, and it was a mistake.

They were even in position to take a tie because of Bulger.

Early in the 4th quarter Bulger threw 2 INTs. But then he became hot. Starting at 6:29 in the 4th, he was 8 of 12 for 80 yards and converted key 3rd and 4th downs as well as making a 2-point conversion. So he was hot at the end.

It looked to me like Martz was still spooked by the INTs and didn't really grasp that Bulger had bounced back and was hot.

...

Yes, it's a tough situation for a coach. IMO, Martz was trying to be responsible and not throw the game away. The fact that Bulger threw those two picks justifies Martz pulling back on the reigns. Because we have to remember that Bulger wasn't exactly efficient in 2003. 22TD/22INT, 7.2 ypa and an 81 rating for what was still resembling the GSOT personnel was pretty pedestrian. When Faulk carried the load and Bulger was allowed to compliment the offense in '02, he was fine. When much more responsibility was put on him in '03, he didn't fare so well.

So, after throwing 2 more interceptions, in the 4th quarter no less, Martz's decision to take the ball out of Bulger's hands was reasonable. 58% completion, 4.2 ypa, 0TD/3INT in that game...Bulger wasn't really showing that he could be trusted.