What made it a stupid call was the distance required for the first down. 4th and 5 is forever in Pro football, especially when you choose to run up the gut. That they came up only a half a yard short is amazing. The field position also made it amazing they tried it, but I suppose that was part of the strategy, no one would expect it!Only someone who is clueless and a total Tomlin suck up would defend that stupid call.
In the long run it didn't matter. Either way, fake or punt, everyone with a pulse who's been paying attention KNEW the Steelers D would not stop the Saints. Even Tomlin knew this and that's why he took the huge gamble. The D tried their best, and made some good plays, but the refs homered them big time in the beginning and at the end.
Of course the Saints converted two 4th and forever plays late in the game, but that was against Bradley's backfield and was aided by the NFL officials.
Tough loss for sure, feel really bad for JuJu, one of the true good guys.