Would you rather see the Steelers defer, or take the ball first?

**Stone** · 10-13-2011, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Steelers_All_Day_43

....It is true. If you are losing, you get the ball first to try take the lead or start a comeback. If you are winning, you have a chance to increase your lead. There are NO negatives to deferring.

Then why would anyone EVER accept the ball? EVER?

Read this article and even if you disagree with his mindset, you can see that only 30% of kick-offs were deferred last year. If it were a no-brainer as you suggest it would 100% rather than 30%.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...ohn&id=6322587

**Raleigh Steel** · 10-13-2011, 02:45 PM

depends on the opponent and maybe even weather conditions.

for example, vs. new england, i say take the ball and try to get the early lead. vs. baltimore, defer and put our defense on the field and hit them in the mouth early and often.

this week i'd like to see our offense on the field first to see if we can keep the momentum from last weeks games...

**Steelers_All_Day_43** · 10-13-2011, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by Stone

Then why would anyone EVER accept the ball? EVER?

Im not a coach, so IDK

**ejsteeler** · 10-13-2011, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by steelersbabex25

Defer. Everytime.

**Goodfrom55** · 10-13-2011, 02:56 PM

I like taking the ball to start the 2nd half and if I'm Tomlin, I'm not backing down from my challenge to the defense to stop the bleeding on the opening drives.

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 10-13-2011, 04:10 PM

One of the main reasons the Steelers always defer is because they want to set the tone on defense right out of the gate. They figure you aren't going to drive down and score on the opening drive against them so then they have the upper hand out of the gate to start the second half. Last year I believe only 2 teams scored TD's on the opening drive of the game against them. When the defense is on, this logic is sound. When the defense is not on, like we've seen most of the time this year, you consider taking the ball first.

**steelersbabex25** · 10-13-2011, 04:13 PM

The only reason I could see a team electing to get the ball to start the game would be if they have an exceptional offense and a below average defense. See ---> NE Patriots.

**Goodfrom55** · 10-13-2011, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by steelersbabex25

The only reason I could see a team electing to get the ball to start the game would be if they have an exceptional offense and a below average defense. See ---> NE Patriots.

That's fair, but if they take the ball vs an offensive juggernaut and dfon't score, then that's a problem.

I always deferred because I would like to try and get a quick score, even a FG before the half and then get the ball right back to start the 2nd half.

**Stairwayto7** · 10-13-2011, 05:19 PM

Take the ball, we suck on defense that opening drive

**Goodfrom55** · 10-13-2011, 05:54 PM

Originally Posted by Stairwayto7

Take the ball, we suck on defense that opening drive

It's win-win, especially vs an offense that has a hard time moving the ball and scoring. Take the ball, march down and score, or defer and hopefully shut them out on the opening drive.

Pick your poison.

I still say defer.

--- Added 10/13/2011 at 04:54 PM ---

Never know, Jags might win the toss and defer to us. Then it is what it is...