Going for it on 4th down

[plasticman]

I can tell you that, during the combined three seasons of 2019 to 2021, there were 134 attempts by NFL teams of 4th and 1 or 4th and 2 between their own 40 yard and midfield.

There was a 63.4% success rate which means 1st down.

Interestingly, only 27 of those plays occurred during the 4th quarter and trailing by 7 or more points. Only 48.1% of those were successful. None of the Cowboy's offensive 4th down plays were in that category

The Cowboys are tied for most attempts at 8. They were successful 6 times. Their 75% success rate is tied for 8th place, however, some teams at 100% only did it once or twice. For the 13 teams that did it 5 or more times, the Cowboys are ranked 2nd.

 

[john van brocklin]

I do not like going for it on 4th and 2 from our own 40 early on our 1st drive.

Fact!!!!!

 

[DC Cowboy]

Not exactly sure of our success rate, I'm not a numbers guy. But we've had some success. My question is, before Mike became our coach, we didn't go for it much on 4th down. Do you like being more aggressive, would you have rather punted the ball in some instances?

What goes through your mind when we're about to snap the ball on 4th down??? Please give your thoughts...

2nd down and 2 to go. IF we think we may go for it, at least try to run on 2nd or 3rd down.

 

[john van brocklin]

I can tell you that, during the combined three seasons of 2019 to 2021, there were 134 attempts by NFL teams of 4th and 1 or 4th and 2 between their own 40 yard and midfield.

There was a 63.4% success rate which means 1st down.

Interestingly, only 27 of those plays occurred during the 4th quarter and trailing by 7 or more points. Only 48.1% of those were successful. None of the Cowboy's offensive 4th down plays were in that category

The Cowboys are tied for most attempts at 8. They were successful 6 times. Their 75% success rate is tied for 8th place, however, some teams at 100% only did it once or twice. For the 13 teams that did it 5 or more times, the Cowboys are ranked 2nd.

Impressive stats
Thanks for posting

 

[Bullflop]

I think there are many times in which being practical rather than aggressive is best. Going for a first down whenever a 4th and 2 is needed at midfield or thereabouts isn't always the best decision to be made. We've already seen failures when presented with that situation. I'd not necessarily encourage that to be our priority in the event we're confronted with that situation in the future. Middle of our OL is far from a sure thing to succeed in that situation. The inherent strengths of our opposition's defense also factor into such decisions. There's a time to be bold and a time to be practical -- no secret formula.

 

[Xeven]

Not exactly sure of our success rate, I'm not a numbers guy. But we've had some success. My question is, before Mike became our coach, we didn't go for it much on 4th down. Do you like being more aggressive, would you have rather punted the ball in some instances?

What goes through your mind when we're about to snap the ball on 4th down??? Please give your thoughts...

I think yo7 take risks in first quarter like not kicking field goals and trying to get touchdowns. Most anything happens in first quarter you can overcome if your half good team.

being aggressive early can change otherwise dismal outcomes.

 

[noshame]

It's all about the offensive line if they're good it increases your odds of success exponentially
Ours is good

 

[Blackrain]

I'm a little tired of that being our game plan when it down go for it on 4th down if we're past our 50 I'm okay with it with the stuff of doing it back in our own and has got to stop because it's going to bite us sooner or later

 

[VaqueroTD]

This year I think it’s stupid because we have a defense that can get the ball back. All you do is risk losing your lead which doesn’t play to our best asset - the pass rush. I wonder if those analytics are based on team-specific defensive strength, offensive line short yardage. Know your team’s identity.

 

[McKDaddy]

I don't think that should be a legal play. One person pushing, maybe, but a whole pile of guys pushing one player into a pile of people trying to stop that player seems extremely dangerous.

Just like when the ball carrier is downfield but his "forward progress" is clearly stopped and they allow the scrum. Yet, they will find other times to rule forward progress to negate a turnover, etc.. But they are all about safety and consistency of rules & officiating .....

 

[Cmac]

MM and staff can be very careless with their decisions, at times........and it may cost us later. Field position matters.

 

[catiii]

It's not the going for it on 4th that others me as much as the crap plays that are called by little kellen.

 

[RobZ]

Not exactly sure of our success rate, I'm not a numbers guy. But we've had some success. My question is, before Mike became our coach, we didn't go for it much on 4th down. Do you like being more aggressive, would you have rather punted the ball in some instances?

What goes through your mind when we're about to snap the ball on 4th down??? Please give your thoughts...

Context is everything. Is it early or late in the game? How is the game going thus far? What is the score? Where are we on the field? Answer questions like that to determine whether or not to go for it. And, assume a failure. Can you live with that?