Stacking points, applying pressure

[Mike D in 332]

I don’t think I’ve seen this topic raised as a thread. I don’t think we are taking enough easy points. I get the analytics about when to go on 4th. Depending on the situation in the momentum, I think we should do that a lot. However, if you look at the overall season. Watch how good our defense is and how complementary we play. Then, if we just take the field goals when they’re there, and the touchdowns that inevitably occur, I think we start destroying teams.
I’ll admit it appears counterintuitive. I think that other teams are reliant on us going four and out a couple times a game.
Throw up the six points and it will make a huge difference. I realize this is reliant on the kicking game being strong, but if they know that they’re getting called on, I feel as though they’ll be more confident as well. Add in the fact that our defense will play better when the other team becomes one dimensional because they’re trailing. Let’s have the confidence that being ahead even by 3 means we are winning. We don’t have to risk it. We can make our opponents take risks.
I assume I’ll get killed for this, but let’s put points up with stack points every possession. Go Seahawks!

 

[sutz]

I don't think many people will disagree with you. Of course, situations matter. Now our FG kicker is pretty good on long FGs. I know, duck! But you still have to weigh the odds and percentages when you decide whether to kick a 55 yd FG against giving the ball up close to mid-field if he misses.

 

[Kamcussionator]

The OP brings up an interesting point. There is a mental aspect associated with "success" as well. Holding a team to a field goal is a Pyrrhic victory, while keeping them out of the endzone completely is a win.

Probably too complicated to measure empirically, but I've always coached "breaking the goose egg" and "hammering coffin nails" to put emphasis on getting our first points and finishing games strong when you have the lead.

The majority of the time playing the odds is appropriate, but I can think of times when just taking the easy points works too.