Trivial Question for Football Fans

[Dave2112]

Just something to toss around with the football fans...

After the coin toss, the team that won it chooses to kick or receive. With extremely rare exceptions, they always choose to receive.

Why?

I play a lot of Madden football, and everytime I win the toss I choose to kick. Yes, there's the opportunity to get the first score by receiving, but statistically only around 40% of opening drives end in a score. By kicking, you are guaranteeing possesion of the ball at the start of the second half. This gives you the opportunity to close the gap if you're behind, or extend the lead and play safer if you're ahead. Kinda like "last licks" in baseball.

Yeah, I know, real football is different...but wouldn't that make sense to do? I'd rather ensure myself a possesion than take a pot-shot on a (likely) short-lived lead with an offense that has yet to loosen up and get into a rhythm.

These are the things I think about when I'm on the can and the power goes out...🙄

 

[primetime]

you know Dave, i am probably one of those few football fans who would decide to kickoff rather than receive the opening kick. and, for exactly the same reasons that you put. you get the ball 1st in the second half, and either you can extend the lead, or close the deficit if you are losing. only in OT would i take the ball first, unless it is college ball, when you would want defense first.

plus, i would want my defense to set the tone. a 3 and out series can set the tone of the game. i am surprised more coaches dont elect to defer, rather than receive. i guess they figure they need to score every chance they get....