the offense’s struggles. Look at two scenarios:
(1) Defense stops the opponent around the 50 yard line. They punt and we get the ball at the 15. Zero points but bad field position for the offense
(2) Defense gives up a TD. Offense gets the ball at the 25 after a kickoff. Down by 7 but at least the offense has better field position.
Seems pretty obvious Scenario 1 is preferable, even if it hurts our ASFP.