[Destro]

apples and oranges - we are talking about how the allied generals wanted to push back the Germans - not what made the Germans attack there in the first place.

[Jeff Chandler]

Hitler's plan depended on speed. His goal was to retake Antwerp and encircle the Allies. He thought that this would cause disputes among the Allies, fracturing their coalition. This would buy him time to develop his advanced weaponry, muster more troops, and face the Russians with the full force of his troops.

By standing their ground against the German troops, the American troops, though largely green, accomplished the task of disrupting Hitler's timetable for the offensive, which destroyed his hope for victory.

In other words, slowing down the offensive was an effective strategy.