In two consecutive games while on defense, the Steelers have declined a 10-yard offensive holding penalty on their opponent, accepting the result of the play which was no gain. I recall being upset at them declining it against the Eagles but when Tomlin did it again versus the Ravens this week, I thought my assumptions might be flawed. I've always thought that you accept those penalties and let them get the down back, reason being that no team averages even close to ten yards per play. So you set them back. And since the Steelers defense is considered above average, they should have added reason to do so.
More concretely, I'd rather my opponent be in 1st and 20 than 2nd and 10. And similarly 2nd and 20 versus 3rd and 10. Obviously, the thought process is different in a situation where possession is at stake (meaning 4th down). But aside from that, shouldn't the defensive team always allow the replay of the down if it means putting the other offense 10 yards back?
More concretely, I'd rather my opponent be in 1st and 20 than 2nd and 10. And similarly 2nd and 20 versus 3rd and 10. Obviously, the thought process is different in a situation where possession is at stake (meaning 4th down). But aside from that, shouldn't the defensive team always allow the replay of the down if it means putting the other offense 10 yards back?