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NFL 2011: Worst Decisions of the Year

In the NFL, most of the credit goes to players when things are going smooth. But when decisions are made that could doom franchises, fans turn their anger upon the men in the front office.  Every year, general managers and head coaches from each team make decisions that they will boast about in future years as well as some they would prefer to forget.

Here are some of the worst decisions made during the 2011 NFL Season:
 

Vikings Choose Donovan McNabb

Donovan McNabb went to his third team in three years – and quite possibly his last.

Uncomfortable handing the keys to first-round pick Christian Ponder due to a lack of minicamps and team workouts, Minnesota Head Coach Leslie Frazier had his eye on one of the NFL’s most celebrated quarterback in the past decade. 

The Vikings paid $5 million for an insurance policy named McNabb.

Frazier’s decision quickly set the team in a downward spiral, landing the Vikings dead last in the NFC North.  After only throwing a measly four touchdowns in six games, McNabb was released in early December, placing him on waivers.

It may be time for McNabb to make the move into the broadcast booth.
 
 

Falcons’ Fourth-Down Gamble in Overtime Against Saints

After his Atlanta Falcons recovered from a 10-point deficit during their November 13^th game with the New Orleans Saints, Head Coach Mike Smith's club headed into overtime with the ball first.

With 10:52 remaining, Atlanta was facing 4th-and-inches at their own 29.  Smith risked scrutiny and went for it rather than punting.  His fourth-down gamble failed.

The Falcons did not get the first down and the Saints went on to kick their game-winning field goal.
 
 

Andy Reid Hiring Juan Castillo as Defensive Coordinator

With the Philadelphia Eagles’ firing of defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, Head Coach Andy Reid was searching for someone to fill that slot.  In an unconventional move, Reid chose Juan Castillo.  Castillo has been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles' coaching staff since 1995. From 1998 to 2010, he served as the club's offensive line coach.

More notable is the fact that Castillo had not coached that side of football since his run at Kingsville High School in 1989.

Hiring Juan Castillo as defensive coordinator was not Andy Reid’s defining moment as a head coach.

 

 

Read more:  Andy Reid, Atlanta Falcons, Donovan McNabb, FN NFL Playoffs, Jennifer Trosclair, Mike Smith, Minnesota Vikings, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles

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