I doubt it. For example, there was a famous study a few years ago showing that NFL teams punt way too often. (http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/a-n

I doubt it. For example, there was a famous study a few years ago showing that NFL teams punt way too often. (http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/a-new-study-on-fourth-downs-go-for-it/ http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/a-new-study-on...). It didn't seem to have much effect on play-calling. Being conventionally wrong appears to be safer for coaches than being unconventionally correct. Of course there are exceptions. To their credit, the Patriots let the Giants have a free touchdown near the end of the Super Bowl, rather than letting them run the clock out. An obvious tactic to most Madden players, but not one you see much in the pros, because That's Not The Way It's Done. And Belichick is one of the few coaches with the job security to do things his own way.