2:00 left 80 yards to go; offense or defense

[mgteich]

It is the playoffs, the championship game, the Super Bowl. We are playing one of the top teams in the league. The offense has the ball at their won 20, down by 5 points with 2 minutes left

Which kind of team do we want to be? I know we should be 10 ahead with 2 minutes to go.
But given the choice whould you rather be the offense or defense?

 

[Sicilian]

Re: 2:00 left 80 yards to go;offense or defense

I chose defense. I just feel playing the averages, that teams more often do NOT score touchdowns on drives, even when they have plenty of time. I think if the defense does what it SHOULD this year, we're coming out of that situation on top 9 times out of 10.

 

[jmt57]

Re: 2:00 left 80 yards to go;offense or defense

I would think any team at any level would rather have the lead than be behind, regardless of possession of the ball. No matter how good your offense is, nobody successfully drives 80 yards for a touchdown in two minutes more often than not.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

With TB at the helm it is a easy choice for me the offense....and I am a defensive guy. Maybe I still have the SB fresh in my mind from a couple of years ago

 

[tombonneau]

Re: 2:00 left 80 yards to go;offense or defense

I chose defense. I just feel playing the averages, that teams more often do NOT score touchdowns on drives, even when they have plenty of time. I think if the defense does what it SHOULD this year, we're coming out of that situation on top 9 times out of 10.

Exactly my thinking. Even the coach of the worst defense in the NFL would prefer to have his D on the field with a 5-pt lead with 2 minutes left than vice-versa.

 

[Kontradiction]

With TB at the helm it is a easy choice for me the offense....and I am a defensive guy. Maybe I still have the SB fresh in my mind from a couple of years ago

Echoing my thoughts exactly. Although being the defense isn't a bad option either. But with #12 back, I'd put my trust in the offense.

 

[bostonia3333]

Nice topic, I will never have faith in this 3rd down defense unless another Rosevelt Colvin develops. This is a no-brainer for me, I would go with the offense and Brady. Brady can break down any defense in the league at the most crucial times. Of course Faulk and Watson are the only guys that scare me on critical drives because they are a fumble waiting to happen. Most defenses in the league don't have the guts to do away with the soft prevent zone scheme when up by 3+ points late in the 4th quarter.

 

[DSHoyt]

I voted offense too. Hard to go wrong with Brady driving down the field. I wouldn't worry so much about Faulk fumbling, as I would with Watson letting the ball drop.

 

[mgteich]

Re: 2:00 left 80 yards to go;offense or defense

One would think so.

I've seen a few teams over the years who would prefer the offense, teams led by Manning, Warner and Elway. Obviously, when push came to shove they didn't win many Super Bowls. IMHO, defense does indeed win championships and Super Bowls. Even the best offenses should be able to be stopped more often then not with two minutes to go needing a touchdown. At least they should be stopped by any defense that is in the playoffs.

I would be really surprised if Bill Belichick or Parcells (the coaches I know best) would choose offense against a playoff defense, even with Brady as the QB.

Exactly my thinking. Even the coach of the worst defense in the NFL would prefer to have his D on the field with a 5-pt lead with 2 minutes left than vice-versa.

 

[brdmaverick]

I say put the ball in Brady's hands.

An earlier post made the good point that indicates that the averages should be in favor of defense. I agree, but I think all that goes out the window when you put the ball in Brady's hands. Not only that, but defenses tend to change in the final two minutes. Defense seem to get soft, and Brady has an easier time picking them apart.

 

[brdmaverick]

Nice topic, I will never have faith in this 3rd down defense unless another Rosevelt Colvin develops. This is a no-brainer for me, I would go with the offense and Brady. Brady can break down any defense in the league at the most crucial times. Of course Faulk and Watson are the only guys that scare me on critical drives because they are a fumble waiting to happen. Most defenses in the league don't have the guts to do away with the soft prevent zone scheme when up by 3+ points late in the 4th quarter.

and forget about third downs, with 2:00 minutes to go you need to have your Defense stop them on four downs

 

[patsfan55]

Last year our defense failed us in the jets game
The year before it was the sb against the giants
The year before that it was the afc champ against the colts

While I feel the defense will be better than any of those three seasons, I still think we need one true pass rushing olb to complete it, and change my vote on this one

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Perhaps folks missed the SuperBowl but if we're dealing with reality and reality is that Tom Effing Brady is our QB and Moss and Welker play for the Patriots, I want THAT crew to have the ball. Remember, even in 2004 when we had a great D, what happened to it as the game wore on? They wore out. And yes, Tom F Brady came to the rescue. Finally, look at what happened in the Jints SB. Minutes to go. Brady drove down the field for a TD to put the Pats ahead with minutes to go. We know what happened later as $8M CB Samuel let a duck go thru his hands and all world Seymour & company couldn't pull Eli down.

As long as Tom GOAT Brady is the QB, I'll choose offense. Once he retires, were I GM I'd emphasize the D to win SBs.

 

[Lifer]

It is the playoffs, the championship game, the Super Bowl. We are playing one of the top teams in the league. The offense has the ball at their won 20, down by 5 points with 2 minutes left

Which kind of team do we want to be? I know we should be 10 ahead with 2 minutes to go.
But given the choice whould you rather be the offense or defense?

I WANT to have the kind of team where you pick the defense. like in the Championship years.

Unfortunately after 2006 and 2007 I dont trust it at all when it counts.

 

[ALP]

generally? offense

the game today is easier for the offensive side

specifically for the patrtiots?

the offense again, seeing as to how it gets wut it needs when it needs it most....something the defense has been doing exactly the opposite of

 

[BradyFTW!]

If the Pats can't reliably stop a team from driving 80 yards for a TD in two minutes, then they probably won't be in a SB in the first place. Even bad defenses are usually up to that task. Because of that, I'd go with the D.

That said, under more even circumstances, I'd choose offense. Brady tips the scales.

 

[ALP]

If the Pats can't reliably stop a team from driving 80 yards for a TD in two minutes, then they probably won't be in a SB in the first place. Even bad defenses are usually up to that task. Because of that, I'd go with the D.

That said, under more even circumstances, I'd choose offense. Brady tips the scales.

brady doesnt just tip the scales, he makes the circumstances irrelevant....

 

[Deus Irae]

Defense, of course.

 

[nukin]

With Brady back? Moss? Offense.

 

[rabthepat]

Offense or defense???....Mmmmm.....pick your poison....I say DEFENSE...it's hard, on average, scoring TDs when it counts.