Let's settle the Pete Carroll issue once and for all

Yesterday, it was Bill Bellichick coming to the defense of Pete Carroll, today it's basketball's Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban.

So - all the fans are ripping Carroll for calling a pass play when the ball was on the half-yard line, they've got 3 downs to get it into the end-zone and they've got Marshawn Lynch.

Coaches are defending Carroll, pointing out that 40% of plays called on the goal line are pass plays. And, let's face it, if Wilson had thrown the ball just a second quicker, his receiver would have been able to catch it without interference.

But, he didn't. He threw the ball a second late, the receiver ran into Patriot Malcolm Butler and was knocked flat, and Butler made the interception.

So...first off...why are 40% of plays called on the goal line, pass plays?

Look at the teams that call them. They are teams that don't have a dominating running back, like Marshawn Lynch. They are teams like the Broncos, with a pass-happy Peyton Manning.

When you've got Marshawn Lynch in the backfield, and you need a half a yard, and you've got three downs on which to do it.... you give the ball to Marshawn Lynch.

Or if you do pass it, you pass it to a corner where there will hopefully be a receiver all alone or at least one not with five players from the opposing team surrounding him, ready to pick off an interception.

Sure, its possible Lynch could have fumbled in the scrum, which would be the equivalent of Wilson throwing an interception - but Lynch doesn't fumble.

Carroll should have given the ball to Lynch three times, if necessary. It's as simple as that.