BAMAPHIN 22
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Coach Tony Sparano is famous for deferring when he wins coin flips. Green Bay has built a reputation for successful opening drives this year. That’s something Sparano should think about Sunday, which is where we start our Thursday morning talking points:
1. Sparano might reconsider his penchant for deferring if he wins the coin flip this week.
The thinking, Sparano has said in the past, is that he’d rather have his team get the ball in the second half, perhaps giving them one extra drive with the game on the line. While that’s fine under most circumstances, a look at the Packers’ success on their first drive begs another look at that strategy.
Aaron Rodgers hit Donald Driver with a 29-yard TD pass to cap the Packers’ opening drive against Washington, marking the second time in four games they scored a touchdown. Their 17 points on opening drives this year ranks second in the NFL behind New Orleans, which has 21. Last year, Green Bay ranked sixth with 37 points on opening drives.
The idea, coach Mike McCarthy said, is simple: “Anytime we have a chance to get the football we have an opportunity to score. We want to get as many as possible. When you play a team that slows the game down and tries to limit your series, it’s important to get the football and try to get out there in front.”
If there’s ever a game when it would be wise not to miss the opening kickoff, this might be it.
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thed...hins-talking-points-beware-the-opening-drive/