If Cowboys win coin toss vs. Eagles, what is their best strategy?

[JoeKing]

We want to keep our defense off the field as much as possible all game long. We definitely take the ball and grind it down the field as long as possible. A long methodical 7 minute drive running the ball, culminated by a TD would be Ideal.

 

[Dirtjunkie]

I think they should dominate. Line up, feed Murray, make them suffer. I don't want to just win this game, I want to make them feel it. LOL.

Love it, not just win. Make them feel it. Defer, get the game flowing come out in second half and ROLL.

 

[VACowboy]

Take the ball and don't give it back.

 

[Bullflop]

It makes little difference whether we start the game on offense or defense, imo. The most important thing is to maximize whatever you're doing to set the tone for the game that is about to follow. That's it, pure and simple.

 

[Jarv]

I hope the Boys kick off. They tend to start slow, so I'd rather see them get the ball to start the second half after they have started firing on all cylinders.

I agree with Jack!

 

[Fletch]

Defer.

 

[Red Dragon]

Defer.

If you're trailing at halftime, this helps you catch up.

If you're tied at halftime, this helps you take the lead.

If you're leading at halftime, this helps you extend the lead.

 

[Red Dragon]

It's also mentally comforting to know you'll get the ball to start the 2nd half.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I think it would be to get the ball first and get the early momentum with a good scoring drive. What do you think?

Exactly.

Win the toss, take the ball, go on a early, long, time consuming drive.

The way to crush that Eagles offense is to give them limited chances to be on the field. You shorten the game and they'll start pressing, and getting anxious, because they don't have the ball enough.

 

[Eric_Boyer]

get the ball first and try to eat up the clock while scoring. It is the logical choice.

 

[boysfanindc]

I think you put your best unit on the field first (the O) and try and get a lead.

The down side being if you go 3 and out, you are most likely losing the field position game.

I still start the game with you best unit.

 

[MWH1967]

Exactly!

Yeah, me too.

 

[links18]

Defer.

If you're trailing at halftime, this helps you catch up.

If you're tied at halftime, this helps you take the lead.

If you're leading at halftime, this helps you extend the lead.

It's almost always the right decision to defer.

 

[AdamJT13]

Garrett usually chooses to receive, but I would always defer.

For one, I love being able to strategize at the end of the first half knowing that I'm going to get the ball first in the third quarter with a chance to score twice without the other team having a chance to score. Back-to-back scores can dramatically change the game.

Second, the later in the game it is, the more you know and the better informed your decision making will be for your limited number of possessions. For example, in the first quarter, if you're facing fourth-and-1 from midfield, you might punt and give up one of your possessions. Later in the game, if you KNOW you need touchdowns or at least a field goal, you're more likely to go for it. Or if you're way ahead, you're less likely to take an unnecessary risk.

Third, by kicking off to start, you're most likely giving the opponent the ball inside their 30. If you receive and have to punt early, you'll most likely already be behind in the field-position battle.

And finally, the first quarter is historically Romo's worst quarter. This season, it's only his second worst (the second quarter has been his worst), but for his career, his first-quarter rating is just 80.9. In every other quarter, including overtime, it's at least 99.0. I'd rather give him the ball later in the game than on the opening possession.

 

[benson]

It's always best to defer. If you can stop them on their opening drive it's even better. Getting the ball to start the 3rd is a much bigger advantage than getting the ball to start the 1st.

How all coaches haven't figured this out is beyond me.

 

[big dog cowboy]

We want to keep our defense off the field as much as possible all game long.

You need to explain that one to me because that makes no sense at all. In fact, I would agrue the exact opposite is true.

 

[cowboys1981]

Follow the game plan we had vs NO. Et the clock early and run ot down their throat. Set the tone.

Defense- send an extra rusher on 3rd down. At least make Sanchez move around! Make him uncomfortable early and we got this!

 

[FLCowboyFan]

Let's take it and score 100 points on the first possession No sense in giving them a chance

 

[Chuck 54]

Take the ball against a high powered offense.
Take the ball when you have a suspect defense.
Take the ball in weather because you determine direction in 4th quarter.

For Cowboys, there's no reason to ever defer with this team.

 

[bayeslife]

Cowboys usually tend to receive when they win the toss. The Eagles fall apart when they have to play from behind so it would be smart to try and strike first.