Simple principle:
Make the other team generate their own momentum rather than doing it for them.
In other words, minimize the costly penalties and turnovers.
As an aside, this is why Jimmy Johnson's penchant for going for it on 4th down on the road was so stupid. If you get the 1st down, the other team can regenerate their momentum if they just make you punt to end the offensive series at some point. If you don't get the 1st down, you've given them a spark of momentum that can possibly last the rest of the game if they build on it. I'm sure we've all seen this happen many times.
Go for it on 4th down at HOME, not on the road. If you don't make the 1st down at home, your fans will help you regenerate your momentum.
Make the other team generate their own momentum rather than doing it for them.
In other words, minimize the costly penalties and turnovers.
As an aside, this is why Jimmy Johnson's penchant for going for it on 4th down on the road was so stupid. If you get the 1st down, the other team can regenerate their momentum if they just make you punt to end the offensive series at some point. If you don't get the 1st down, you've given them a spark of momentum that can possibly last the rest of the game if they build on it. I'm sure we've all seen this happen many times.
Go for it on 4th down at HOME, not on the road. If you don't make the 1st down at home, your fans will help you regenerate your momentum.