Of course we don't, and likely never would know that, but I find that hard to believe.
You get 6 time outs in a game. You have half, maybe even less than that many opportunities to correct what could be game-changing calls. I can't see coaches wasting challenges for a breather in the 1st quarter, especially with a roster as deep as the Packers are displaying they currently have.
Originally Posted by: musccy
Oh, the challenge was in the 1st quarter? I for some reason was thinking 2nd quarter. Yeah, doubt any one was gassed enough to merit extra time that a timeout does not provide.
Edit: Wait, the challenge WAS in the 2nd quarter. A few observations (hindsight makes one a genius) here.
The play challenged was 3rd and 5 at the 28 and was ruled a 1st down at the 23 with ~2:30 in the half and the Packers were leading 14 - 7.
Heck yeah you challenge this! Who knows, maybe it goes your way?
If it does not go your way, you at least got more time to scheme against their offense in hopes of keeping them out of the end zone and holding them to a FG attempt.
If it does go you way by some long shot, you hold them to a FG attempt and get the ball back with 2 time outs and maybe the 2 minute warning. You also have the opportunity to add a FG or Touchdown to your lead. As a bonus, you get the ball opening the 2nd half. Aaron Rodgers and the team call it "double up" or something like that. They love scoring to close 1st half and getting the ball to start 2nd half.
I get the challenge and understand it was probably more a wing/prayer than a challenge that they felt certain they were going to win. This was not a bad challenge or a wasted challenge. This was a tactical challenge and actually quite smart.