A garbage time field goal attempt in Patriots vs. Cowboys decided the fate of the total during an otherwise meaningless second half.
The Patriots were down 38-3 late in the fourth quarter facing a fourth-and-10 inside Cowboys territory. Down 35 points, ordinarily, teams will go for it, even with the undesirable down and distance, because the game is already over. You have to try to get into the end zone. While attempting to do so is inconsequential, it gets your offense more reps — and the chance for moral victories. If you fail? You're already losing by 35 anyway.
But Bill Belichick? Nah. The man went for the field goal despite a dire situation, which spelled doom for any under bettors. The total closed at 43, with plenty of folks getting in at 43.5.
With the total at 41, Patriots kicker Chad Ryland lined up for his second field goal attempt of the day: a 52-yarder. And he shanked it. Wide right — by a substantial degree.
The Cowboys took over possession and subsequently ran down the clock. Brutal for anyone with the over.
