Do not defer

[anava]

I like deferring because like someone said we usually start slow on O and D. Rather be able to extend the lead in the second half or be able to close up the gap

 

[KJJ]

This may seem like a minor thing, but I think Garrett deciding to defer against the Eagles was a terrible decision.

It was clearly a terrible decision because the Cowboys had given up first possession TD's in their previous 2 games and deferring gave Philly an opportunity to land the first punch. It took them only 3 minutes to drive 80 yards for an early 7-0 lead which set the tone for the entire game. It put pressure on our offense to have to respond and when we didn't they ran away with the game.

 

[erod]

I believe in ALWAYS deferring if you have the choice.

There's a huge shift in momentum if you can score before the half and get the ball to start the second. Plus, defenses are fresher early, which is why three-and-outs are more common in the first quarter than others.

 

[KJJ]

I believe in ALWAYS deferring if you have the choice.

There's a huge shift in momentum if you can score before the half and get the ball to start the second. Plus, defenses are fresher early, which is why three-and-outs are more common in the first quarter than others.

I like deferring unless you're playing a potent high scoring offense. There can be a huge shift in momentum right out the gate for the team that can drive the field and score a TD after receiving the opening kickoff.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

This may seem like a minor thing, but I think Garrett deciding to defer against the Eagles was a terrible decision. Teams with suspect defenses should not be deferring to an offense that can score easily. Despite the weapons we have this is now a running and clock possession offense, if we get behind we struggle. So if we win the toss take the ball and pound Murray for a nice long drive that will set the pace and get the crowd out of it. Do NOT put the D out there and possibly force the team into a hole from the very beginning

what is defer?

 

[Blackspider214]

If I trusted our offense, I'd agree. But for the last month, it's been stuck in mud. Remember the Giants game? We get the ball to start the game and go 3 and out. That's even worse. Because they also get the ball to start the 2nd half.

 

[xwalker]

This may seem like a minor thing, but I think Garrett deciding to defer against the Eagles was a terrible decision. Teams with suspect defenses should not be deferring to an offense that can score easily. Despite the weapons we have this is now a running and clock possession offense, if we get behind we struggle. So if we win the toss take the ball and pound Murray for a nice long drive that will set the pace and get the crowd out of it. Do NOT put the D out there and possibly force the team into a hole from the very beginning

I've never understood the fan/media obsession with this topic. There is no obvious right answer. People can come up with all kinds of reasons that one choice is better than the other.

 

[benson]

Getting the ball to start the 2nd half is a HUGE advantage.

 

[TonyRomo17]

This may seem like a minor thing, but I think Garrett deciding to defer against the Eagles was a terrible decision. Teams with suspect defenses should not be deferring to an offense that can score easily. Despite the weapons we have this is now a running and clock possession offense, if we get behind we struggle. So if we win the toss take the ball and pound Murray for a nice long drive that will set the pace and get the crowd out of it. Do NOT put the D out there and possibly force the team into a hole from the very beginning

Garrett only defered vs the Seahawks, against the Eagles Im pretty sure the eagles won the coin toss

 

[kiheikiwi]

While I agree that getting the ball to start the 2nd half - and being ale to adjust your game plan sounds like a great point. Do we actually adjust our game plan ? I know, I know easy shot ....
On a somewhat related note - can they come up with a different plan for the first play of the game !!! Every Bear player is expecting Murray run up the middle, as, that is how we start every damm game ! How about a play action pass into the flat, does not have to be a bomb. Can be a safe short pass, but every man and his dog knows we start with a Murray run. Change it up a little, its called game planning, we might want to try it ... Get them back off the line abit, then pound them with the run... just a thought (Said it last game too!)

 

[Wolfpack]

Strategically I'm for deferring because it allows you to open the second half after revising your gameplan. The ability to score on the first drive of the second half can be very important in a close game.

the problem is that the defense is struggling mightily, so you put immediate onus on your team if you defer but get scored on in the opening drive.

This is the team's first year that they are actually able to make adjustments at halftime so maybe they are trying to make the most of it like you have said. Even Romo said he was happy to see adjustments now at half time.

I agree with your second point, I'd rather put up points first and not fall behind with this defense.

 

[erod]

I like deferring unless you're playing a potent high scoring offense. There can be a huge shift in momentum right out the gate for the team that can drive the field and score a TD after receiving the opening kickoff.

True, but you have three quarters to fix it. A quick three-and-out to start creates issues even greater as the game unfolds.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I believe in ALWAYS deferring if you have the choice.

There's a huge shift in momentum if you can score before the half and get the ball to start the second.

I agree but it sure backfired vs the Eagles.

 

[links18]

Garrett only defered vs the Seahawks, against the Eagles Im pretty sure the eagles won the coin toss

Deferred against the Giants as well, I believe.

 

[TonyRomo17]

Deferred against the Giants as well, I believe.

Nope we got the ball and our offense went 3 and out

 

[links18]

Nope we got the ball and our offense went 3 and out

Right.

 

[Sarge]

The way the team played against the Eagles, they could have had the ball at the beginning of the game AND at the start of the second half and it wouldn't have mattered. The team simply didn't show up and it was embarrassing.

 

[Tabascocat]

Give me the ball to start the 2nd half every time. Our defense will start with fresh legs and may just get a stop. Chances are our offense just punts it anyways and lose field position shortly thereafter.

 

[Carl23]

If we are at home, I want them to start the game with the ball as our crowd *should* be loud.

If we are on the road, i want the ball in the 2nd half as I expect their fan base to be at the concession stands and in bathroom lines for the first few minutes.


So...I always want the ball to start the 2nd half.

 

[KJJ]

True, but you have three quarters to fix it. A quick three-and-out to start creates issues even greater as the game unfolds.

After giving up first possession TD's to bad teams like JAX and the Giants I didn't see much chance of the Cowboys forcing a 3 and out vs Philly. When you play a high powered fast pace offense it's hard to fix it if you get down by a quick 7 points when your defense is starting to show some serious cracks. It was obvious on Philly's first drive the Cowboys defense was going to have some real issues stopping them.

I knew they were in serious trouble when on Philly's first drive Sproles went for 15 and on the very next play McCoy went for 36 yards. If you can't stop their running game you're screwed because if you give Sanchez a running game he can play very efficiently. Philly being able to run the ball opens up their entire offense allowing Sanchez to manage the game.

Once a team like that gets an early jump it can be a long day that was proven last Thursday. If the Cowboys are going to beat a team like Philly they have to get off to a good start and strike first. Philly is averaging 31.3 point per game and unfortunately for the Cowboys they'll be facing the highest scoring team in the league (Colts) in week 15.