Because the Cowboys defense plays best with a lead, would you like to see Dallas take the ball when winning the coin toss? Why defer? Why not be aggressive and go out and score? – Joakin Ullgre/Prague, Czech Republic
Nick: Ok, this is one of those that will never have the right answer for everyone. It's just how people view the game. I've come to realize that it's always going to be a debate. Some people prefer to set the tone early and try to establish a lead. Others like the opportunity of getting the ball to start the second half, either to build on a lead or try to rally if you're down. And there's also a thought for the home team that the crowd to start the game is much louder at the first than they are in the third quarter when several people haven't made it back to their seats. I think your question sounds good in hindsight. But think about what we saw the week before in Cleveland. What about that game would have anyone, including the coaches, thinking the defense wouldn't be the ones to set the tone. Personally, if you think your defense is going to get a three-and-out or turnover to start the game, that would be the best way to ever open a game. It just didn't happen obviously. But, considering the Saints scored the first six times they got the ball, I have a hard time thinking the coin toss would've changed anything. If they get the toss this week against the Ravens, I think I would defer once again.
Patrik: I can only venture a guess here, but it's that the Cowboys wanted to send an early message that the high-powered Saints offense would be in for a long day, and it also guaranteed that if things went awry, the Cowboys' offense would have the ball to begin the third quarter with the hopes of cleaning up any potential spills. Unfortunately for them, it was an oil spill in the first half and no amount of paper towels would be enough to make things OK again after that. And, in hindsight, the Cowboys wound up controlling time of possession for most of the game anyway and had 10 offensive drives in all, but could only muster 19 points (one touchdown), and playing with the lead does help their defense but if that lead is only 3-0,, which was likely, based upon how that game went for Dallas' offense, it changes nothing at all for the Saints' offensive approach.
