Titans: Mike Vrabel explains decision not to challenge QB sneak ball spot
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel explained why he didn’t challenge the spot of the ball after Ryan Tannehill’s failed quarterback sneak in Week 7.
A lot was made about Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel not challenging the spot of the ball after Ryan Tannehill’s quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter failed.
With the Titans clinging to a 23-20 lead late in the fourth quarter, Vrabel decided to go for it on fourth-and-1. The play call was a quarterback sneak with Tannehill, and the play failed, giving the Los Angeles Chargers the ball back with a chance to win the game.
When looking at the play a bit closer, it was clear the ball was not spotted correctly by the officials, as Tannehill seemingly got forward progress. Unfortunately, the officials did not see it the same way.
The fourth-and-1 from the LAC 49. Sure looks like Tannehill gets it when he turns. #Titans. pic.twitter.com/LnFXbV0KLT
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 21, 2019
At the time, Titans fans were screaming for Vrabel to challenge it with three timeouts and all of his challenges, however Tennessee’s head coach decided against it.
Vrabel spoke about the decision to go for it and his reasoning for not challenging the spot, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
Vrabel said going for it on 4th and inches was an easy decision. Said he knew call wouldn't be overturned when Tannehill ruled short because if replay doesn't show exactly where football is, replay won't change call. @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 21, 2019
Vrabel also spoke about conversations he has had with the NFL’s head of officiating, Al Riveron, which factored into his decision, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
Vrabel says he talks to AL (Riveron) as much as possible to get clarification on what they see when they review plays. Said they harp on being able to see the football and he's been told, 'If we can't see the football we can't make a clear decision to overturn it.' #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 21, 2019
After the Chargers got the ball back, Philip Rivers and Co. drove right down the field, which set up the heart-pounding goal line stand that led to the Titans’ win.
Vrabel said he considered letting the Chargers score, but he instead opted to let his defense make a stand.
Vrabel: Acknowledged one of the scenarios was to let @Chargers score at the end before gutsy goal-line stand. Decided against it. Let defenders play and they got the fumble, and stop @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 21, 2019
While I can certainly understand Vrabel’s thinking in not challenging it, it wouldn’t have hurt to at least try. There wasn’t much time left and the Titans ended up having timeouts to spare at the end of the game.
Thankfully it didn’t end up costing the Titans and the defense was able to make a play to save the game for what was a much-needed Tennessee win in Week 7.