I haven't read through the whole thread yet, but wanted to ask about this - in the past two games played (Jets week 17 and Titans this past week), the Pats have won the toss and taken the ball, a break from their usual routine to defer receiving the ball on the opening kick-off to the 2nd half. I think both times they did it to try to get up early on the opponent (in week 17 to be able to take starters out after building a big lead, and last week, to put the offensively-challenged Titans in an early hole/grave). It worked against the Jets as I believe we scored a TD on the opening drive and never looked back (although it took until the 2nd quarter to score again). Against the Titans we went 3 and out (or close to it), punted and I think the Titans scored on the ensuing drive, giving them a little hope, although it was short-lived.
For this game, I think the Pats will go back to deferring if they get the choice. I sort of missed that chance to score at the end of the 1st half and beginning of the 2nd they usually have, and during the last game taking the ball didn't work out so well. Thoughts?