[teejers1]

On offense, if you are predisposed to punt and not go for it on fourth down, this affects play calling on third down and even second down.  Ironically, sometimes a more conservative play call on third down makes sense if you are prepared to go for it on fourth down.  A check down pass may have very little chance of making a first down, but not only does it increase the odds of a fourth down conversion, it might also remove the temptation to try to thread something through tight coverage down the field.  To have more realistic fourth down opportunities you need to look at third down not just as a binary first-or-punt down, but a chance to drastically reduce the distance on make a first down on fourth and whatever.

This x1000.  Foresight - and specifically knowing what you're going to do (or at least want to do, barring catastrophic third down call) on fourth down - is absolutely critical to good play calling and game management.

[teejers1]

On offense, if you are predisposed to punt and not go for it on fourth down, this affects play calling on third down and even second down.  Ironically, sometimes a more conservative play call on third down makes sense if you are prepared to go for it on fourth down.  A check down pass may have very little chance of making a first down, but not only does it increase the odds of a fourth down conversion, it might also remove the temptation to try to thread something through tight coverage down the field.  To have more realistic fourth down opportunities you need to look at third down not just as a binary first-or-punt down, but a chance to drastically reduce the distance on make a first down on fourth and whatever.

This x1000.  Foresight - and specifically knowing what you're going to do (or at least want to do, barring catastrophic third down call) on fourth down - is absolutely critical to good play calling and game management.