PatsFaninAZ

Why doesn't anyone ever defer in the NFL? The only time you see it is when the weather is a factor about which side is more favorable. It seems to me that in big games, the opening drive of the second half is almost always more significant than the opening drive of the game.

There must be statistics on this that the coaches are privy to. Or maybe not -- maybe it's just conventional wisdom that nobody has ever really analyzed.

PatsSaintsSox

Maybe its because the players are more pumped up and fresh at the beginning of games...just a thought

Remix 6

yeah..if u defer and kickoff..other team scores..that takes a lot out of u sometimes

if u take the ball..you get the first chance to score

fgssand

Take the ball, march down the field and score - then never look back. Just like we are going to do today!! That's why.

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PatsFaninAZ

I guess that's the answer -- the risk of the bad thing happening (other team scores a TD) is higher than the reward of the good thing happening (you get a stop).

It does seem, though, that defenses in particular come out fired up in the playoffs in a way they aren't in the second half -- particularly in a game like the superbowl where the halftime seems like an hour. Then again, I think in at least 2 of the playoff games this year, teams that had the ball first have scored at TD.

HAMMERMILL

It also shows confidence in the offense.
If you defer,your telling your offense you don't trust them.
Although, I wouldn't mind the Pats getting the ball,starting the third.

Hok

In the NFL, when you win the toss, the other team always gets to choose whether or not to take the ball at the beginning of the second half. Therefore, if you don't take the ball when you win the toss, you let the other team start with the ball at the beginning of each half.

PatsFaninAZ

So, there is no defering in the NFL. Good answer.

That's two NFL rules I've gotten wrong in 2 days. My familiarity with NCAA rules is showing.

wdkantro2

If I had a bad offense, I honestly would defer against the Colts. The Colts script their first few defensive plays so well they almost always force three and out, then they get the ball in much better field position than they would have started with had they recieved. Plus, they are often ahead at halftime, so it would be good to get the ball first in the second half.

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RyanTheColtsFan

Coin Toss

1. The toss of coin will take place within three minutes of kickoff in center of field. The toss will be called by the visiting captain before the coin is flipped. The winner may choose one of two privileges and the loser gets the other:

(a) Receive or kick

(b) Goal his team will defend

2. Immediately prior to the start of the second half, the captains of both teams must inform the officials of their respective choices. The loser of the original coin toss gets first choice

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