Why didn't Baldwin go for the first down?

[Mindsink]

On that 2nd & 10 play on the final Seahawks drive, Baldwin catches it in the flat along the sidelines, makes a juke, and then steps out of bounds? WTF?

He had plenty of space to make that first down but decided to step out (presumably to save clock).

There was about 2:30 remaining on the clock and the ball is at midfield!

So now instead of a first down just on the other side of the 50, it's 3rd and 1. Next play, Wilson takes a sack. Ugh! ukeface:

 

[BullHawk33]

I was thinking the exact same thing at the time. He just needed 1 more yard. He is probably going to be kicking himself about that today if he hasn't already.

 

[original poster]

Yeah he confirmed he was trying to save clock and with hindsight should have just got the first down.

Mistakes happen and hindsight is great.

 

[Popeyejones]

Did anybody else notice the clock error on the play after this?

There was 2:29 left on the clock when Baldwon stepped out and then on the next play Wilson took a sack at 2:19.

The Hawks were called for illegal formation, but the penalty was declined, and the clock never restarted again. The Hawks didn't take a time out but got a clock stop on a declined penalty, and the 4th down play started at 2:19 still.

If you go to the second to last drive you can see it here: http://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400951652

 

[Scorpion05]

Yep. If Baldwin gets the first I have no doubt Wilson gets us down the field, as he's done a million times before. Final score would be 31-30. Depressing