Is this cheating or good football?
 

It turns out that the Niners D was coached to draw the holding penalty close to the half to prevent he Saints from going for the TD. Is this cheating or just good strategy by Kelly? Or is this just more common than I believe?

Chip Kelly had the 49ers hold on purpose to prevent the Saints trying for a TD - SBNation.com

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

Probably the most blatant I can remember, but you really see it all the time. If a CB feels he's beaten and there's a chance at a TD, he'll grab the receiver every time. The niners just knew there was going to be a TD pass a little earlier than usual. This is a good strategy until the next rule change.

Take it for the compliment it was.

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

Its not cheating since there is a consequence right away in form of a penalty but I think it is unethical. You can have penalties that creates a runoff on the clock at the end of halfs, here the opposite should happen, give the offense another 10s.

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

not cheating, and winning is what it is all about. Smart play.

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

Not cheating it is smart football. Probably haven't seen this before in the NFL but its fair and fair game.

Its no more cheating then teaching DB's if you are going to get beat deep go ahead and take the holding pentalty or Passing interferece. Than give up a big play or TD.

Its fair game and part of the game.

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

Very smart move.

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

If the NFL allows it then its smart Coaching, I'm sure we would do the same if our staff had the opportunity. Needless to say they are more than aware of it now.

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

Not only is it not cheating, it's really not an effective strategy. A half cannot end on a defensive penalty. So while the idea was to suck up some time, ultimately it could not prevent an offense from scoring if they had to.

SFIAH

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

Change the rule to put the time back on the clock.

Re: Is this cheating or good football?
 

Hack-A-Shaq?