Bears long snapper, Pat Mannelly, who is one of the best in the league at his job said this about his mistake last night:
“Originally the count was 12 men, I didn’t see the guy run off the field. We actually have a play in. If there are 12 men, it’s pretty much a free play. So it’s just a direct snap to Garrett and you just try to get as many yards as you can. I didn’t see the guy run off the field. I wish I would have. I would have never done that.”
“It was just a dumb play on my part not seeing that. I feel stupid. I thought we were making a smart play, and unfortunately it didn’t work out that way.”
Mannelly’s decision lead to a field goal by the Green Bay Packers, to give them a 13-12 lead with about ten minutes left in the fourth quarter. Even though the decision ultimately didn’t cost them the game, Mannelly knows he must never do that again.
all quotes from chicagobears.com
