Is the "timing your rush to run in when the play clock hits zero" really a thing? Like, I don't see DL looking at the play clock, they're looking for the movement of the ball or the OL. LBs are more upright and could conceivably see the play clock, but they're usually looking at the offensive alignment. When a team does get a delay of game penalty, I don't see 4-5 guys on defense just coming across the line when the clock hits zero. They're usually as clueless about a delay of game penalty as everyone on the offense other than the QB.
I get it causes angst when you're watching the game, because we don't want the penalties, and it seems like an easy thing to avoid, especially when the offense is lined up with 10 seconds left or whatever. But I think the "defense teeing off" argument is bogus.
I wouldn't say it's bogus. If a defense doesn't ever have to worry about a hard count, or if they can completely rule out a hardcount it would seemingly require less decision making and allow a better jump.
Race car drivers on the quarter mile have the tree of lights to anticipate their start and I would bet such anticipation gives them a better jump off the line.
Sprinters are given a "set" call prior to the shot and I would bet that these guys could get out of the blocks faster than a sprinter who set himself and had to wait an undetermined amount of time. Same thing with swimmers.
When you know something is imminent, you can focus solely on getting the best possible start. When a DL knows that the snap is imminent, they can disregard having to actually pay attention for a hard count and focus solely on getting a jump.
Does it make a difference in the game? Who knows, really, but I would doubt it really benefits the offense. The team could get lined up a hell of a lot sooner and still force the defense into showing their hand. Peyton does every game and he's not racing the play clock over down.
