Why do coaches wait to use timeouts after the 2 min warning?

If you use the timeouts before the 2 min warning, you would have more time if you get the ball back.

In tonight’s game, KC got a first down with around 2:30 left. TB had two timeouts.

If TB calls timeout, KC would run the ball on on 1st. A running play takes about 5 seconds.

TB calls final timeout. KC runs the ball on 2nd. Now game clock gets to the 2 min warning. KC runs the ball for 5 seconds on 3rd down and milk the clock for 40 seconds from the play clock. So the punt would take place with 75 seconds left.

But TB decided to let the clock go down to the two min warning. KC ran the ball 3 times. And by doing this, you get less time because you let the game clock go down 15 seconds (3 running plays) instead of 5 seconds(1 running play). You lose 10 seconds.

Now, it may not matter in this game but if you’re down 1 possession, it can be a difference maker.