The Situation
Pittsburgh and Green Bay are tied up, 31-31 in the 4th quarter. On the first play after the 2 minute warning, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu forces a Matt Flynn fumble, recovered by Brett Keisel who returns it to the Packers' 17 yard line.
The Steelers now have the ball with 1:51 left in the game. The Packers have all 3 timeouts remaining. Knowing that a score is highly likely, the Packers proceed to use their timeouts in an attempt to get more time on the clock for a comeback once the Steelers score.
The situation is a favorable one, as they force a 4th and 3 at the 10 yard line with 1:35 left in the game and the field goal team trots out to attempt a 28 yard field goal. A field goal here would give the Packers over a minute left to tie or win the game and the Packers still have 1 timeout left. However, an encroachment penalty gives the Steelers an automatic 1st down at the 5 yard line.
At this point, the question is: Should the Steelers intentionally not score until the last second, so they prevent any chance at a Packers comeback? If this it true, then should the Packers intentionally allow the Steelers to score? Remember, what's bad for my opponent must be good for me.
What should the Steelers do in this case?
