The Colts were trying to come back after falling behind 16-0 and scored a TD with 3 minutes left (no 2-point conversion in pro football then) and recovered an on-side kick trailing by 9. They faced 4th and 5 from the Jets' 20 with 2 1/2 minutes left and elected to go for it instead of attempting (at the time with the closer goalposts) a chip shot 27-yard FG.
Either way, Unitas & the Colts were going to have to recover another on-side kick and score a 3rd time to complete the comeback. I wasn't born until the 1970 and didn't watch the NFL until I was eight, but viewing this replay yet again, I'm once again perplexed why Baltimore didn't go for three to pull within 6. They get another on-side recovery, they had the greatest-ever comeback QB in that time in Johnny U and would have at least had a fighting chance. The subsequent incomplete pass on 4th and 5 effectively resulted in the end of the game.
This post was edited on 6/8 2:59 PM by NoleLizards
Either way, Unitas & the Colts were going to have to recover another on-side kick and score a 3rd time to complete the comeback. I wasn't born until the 1970 and didn't watch the NFL until I was eight, but viewing this replay yet again, I'm once again perplexed why Baltimore didn't go for three to pull within 6. They get another on-side recovery, they had the greatest-ever comeback QB in that time in Johnny U and would have at least had a fighting chance. The subsequent incomplete pass on 4th and 5 effectively resulted in the end of the game.
This post was edited on 6/8 2:59 PM by NoleLizards
