I'm posting this in the NFL threads, but it just as easily could apply to the college game as well.

 

In the wake of the MNF game between the Rams and Chiefs (and just about any Big 12 game), I've heard lots of comments about the scoring. Some absolutely love it and think those types of games are thrilling, while others hate it and say it's a one dimensional game with no defense.

 

So, if you were watching a random game (not caring about who wins/loses), what would your score be for it to be an "ideal" game?

 

For me, I think something along the lines of 24-20 would be good. Enough scoring without it being a game dominated by punting...but, not too much where it becomes a track meet with no defense.

 

What say you?

Not caring about who wins, give me what we saw Monday Night. Defensive struggles and low scoring football is insanely boring to watch.

I’m entertained by different types of games depending on the day so I don’t really have a perfect score for an ideal game.

 

I will say though in reference to the MNF game, that while the score may not indicate it, there was some very good defense in that game. Fumble and interception returns for TD’s. Other interceptions.

I’m entertained by different types of games depending on the day so I don’t really have a perfect score for an ideal game.

 

I will say though in reference to the MNF game, that while the score may not indicate it, there was some very good defense in that game. Fumble and interception returns for TD’s. Other interceptions.

 

There was definitely defense in that one. Mahomes turned it over 5 times.

I don't have a specific score, but the more points the better. Watching a defensive battle is remarkably boring.

I think a good balance of defensive plays and scoring is good for a game. Complete defensive battles means the offenses just aren't capable of moving the ball which makes the game extremely boring. Absolute shootouts with no defense is more entertaining than the former but some excitement does come from teams being able to make a key stop.

 

As previously mentioned the Monday night game had plenty of good defensive plays but nobody is capable of stopping those offenses three or four drives in a row.

I think a good balance of defensive plays and scoring is good for a game. Complete defensive battles means the offenses just aren't capable of moving the ball which makes the game extremely boring. Absolute shootouts with no defense is more entertaining than the former but some excitement does come from teams being able to make a key stop.

 

As previously mentioned the Monday night game had plenty of good defensive plays but nobody is capable of stopping those offenses three or four drives in a row.

 

The bold leads me to this question: What percent of possessions do people want to see a team score?

 

In the NFL the top teams score on about 45% of their drives. In the Rams and Chiefs game, the Chiefs scored on 7 of 14 drives and the Rams on 7 of 13. That is just slightly higher than what we would expect from the best NFL offense historically. Despite the high score, the teams were just slightly above average in drive efficiency.

 

It was a high scoring, entertaining game but a bit ironically, with all the offense, the high score was in large part because of the defenses scoring.

I like compelling games like a great offense against a great defense or great run game against a wide-open passing team. One of my favorite games ever is an old Holiday Bowl SMU verus BYU...the Pony Express run game of Dickerson and James against the wide open passing game of Jim McMahon.

 

Ideally, I want a game that is a back and forth battle with both teams playing well on both sides of the ball...Monday was awesome!

I get what you're saying, and my first instinct was to feel that same way about it as you do with balanced offense and defense, but with that said I also like the element of surprise, and the final score may not really matter depending on what ultimately takes place.

 

For example Super Bowl LI when the Falcons took a commanding lead only to have Brady and the Patriots shock the world and make their amazing comeback and win in OT. That being a great game can't be denied though it was the tale of two halves. Everyone agrees that Brady is great, but hardly anyone would've imagined that he could possibly have lead them out of such a deficit. What looked like it would be a Super Bowl blowout turned into an incredible mind blowing game. The final score wasn't outrageous or anything, but the real story is what took place.

 

I wouldn't want every game to be too predictable, and if the idea of a perfect game was based on a 24-20 final, that might get old, so while your assessment too was my initial knee-jerk thought, upon further thought I do like a variety of unpredictable circumstances with a variety of outcomes.

Not caring about who wins, give me what we saw Monday Night. Defensive struggles and low scoring football is insanely boring to watch.

 

I don't have a specific score, but the more points the better. Watching a defensive battle is remarkably boring.

 

:thumb: