"When to Defer"

[Fan in San Diego]

This is strictly an opinion, but it has always seemed to me that as a game is about to start, the defensive players always seem out-of-their-skull batshiiit looney to hit someone, so if you get the chance, get them on the field first and let the adrenaline run wild. Also, I think Jauron is right on; get a feel for the game so you can apply your second half adjustments right out of the gate. In many respects, scoring a TD on the opening drive of the second half can turn a game.

 

Yup, good points !

[HardyBoy]

Another reason to defer to the second half is that you can start your base defense; most likely your best. Also, if you get a three and out you are automatically winning the field position battle(if you cover the kick well), and it is much harder to convert a third and long than a third and short, and it is much more difficult to run the ball early when the defense is fresh making third and long more likely. A long sustained drive to start the second half should be easier, because running should be easier(unless you are going against the Bills defense) and is much more important since it will wear a team out for the fourth quarter. Could it explain the 45-10 edge in the fourth? Probably not, but certainly might be a contributing factor.