Mike Smith blunder to elect to punt

I think I would have gone for it. Down by 3, at that point. Needing a first down, and reguardless where you punt it to, the other team needs 10 yards to ice this thing. Who cares if you give it at the 20 or your own 38. 10 yards ends this thing no matter where you give Drew Brees the ball.

I would have let my O go for it on 4th. Saints get ball at 38 or so depending on the play results if you don't get the first. Still have 2 timeouts, still have the 2 minute warning.

But with the Saints only needing 10 yards, its basicly giving the Saints the ball at the 10 yard line no matter where you give them the ball on the field, cause a first down was as good as a TD in this case. If they had it at the 38 go 3 - out, and say kick a field goal, well its down by 6 and still a chance to win with one possession.

Punting gives Drew Brees the chance to seal it, I would have rather given Matt Ryan the chance to win it if I were coaching the Falcons.