Belichick Would Like To See The Extra Point Eliminated

[Longtimefan]

Bill Belichick doesn’t see the point in extra points | ProFootballTalk



I would like to see the league go one step further and eliminate the touch-
back as well, except in two instances. The rule change on kick-offs has all but eliminated one of the most exciting plays in the game of football. It has reduced the potential for actually scoring points minus plays from scrimmage.

This is what I wish I could propose:

(1) Kickoffs be moved back to the 30yd. line and all kickoffs be returned. Touch-back awarded only if the KO goes through and out of the end-zone. No more awarding the opposition a free 20yds. at the discretion of the returner. The KO is a free ball, unlike a punt which is a change of possession and should be returned from anywhere in the field of play....including the end-zone.

(2) Punts....unlike the KO do not have to be returned. The option is available before the ball is punted. The option to fair catch should remain in tact and any ball punted into the end-zone should be declared a touch-back and awarded the free 20yds.

This may all sound completely absurd to some, but I would like to hear what you guys think.

[SmootSmack]

I'm not really a fan of the fair catch either

[skinsfan69]

could not agree more. the 20 yard extra point is meaningless. make it a little more interesting. make it a 40 yard fg for the point.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

Bill Belichick doesn’t see the point in extra points | ProFootballTalk



I would like to see the league go one step further and eliminate the touch-
back as well, except in two instances. The rule change on kick-offs has all but eliminated one of the most exciting plays in the game of football. It has reduced the potential for actually scoring points minus plays from scrimmage.

This is what I wish I could propose:

(1) Kickoffs be moved back to the 30yd. line and all kickoffs be returned. Touch-back awarded only if the KO goes through and out of the end-zone. No more awarding the opposition a free 20yds. at the discretion of the returner. The KO is a free ball, unlike a punt which is a change of possession and should be returned from anywhere in the field of play....including the end-zone.

(2) Punts....unlike the KO do not have to be returned. The option is available before the ball is punted. The option to fair catch should remain in tact and any ball punted into the end-zone should be declared a touch-back and awarded the free 20yds.

This may all sound completely absurd to some, but I would like to hear what you guys think.

It would never happen but that would be a GREAT rule.

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

This is what I wish I could propose:

(1) Kickoffs be moved back to the 30yd. line and all kickoffs be returned. Touch-back awarded only if the KO goes through and out of the end-zone. No more awarding the opposition a free 20yds. at the discretion of the returner. The KO is a free ball, unlike a punt which is a change of possession and should be returned from anywhere in the field of play....including the end-zone.

Would go against what they are trying to achieve. Player safety. Not going to happen.

[mlmpetert]

Another option would be moving the line of scrimmage for all extra points to the 1-yard line. Extra point kicks would still be chip shots, but two-point conversion attempts would be easier, which would encourage coaches to go for two more often, which would make the game more exciting.

This sounds like a more middle ground reasonable option

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I'm not really a fan of the fair catch either

I remember when the fair catch rule was first implemented. The idea was to help prevent injury to the returner due to his being in such a vulnerable position trying to catch the punt.

[Longtimefan]

[QUOTE]
Another option would be moving the line of scrimmage for all extra points to the 1-yard line. Extra point kicks would still be chip shots, but two-point conversion attempts would be easier, which would encourage coaches to go for two more often, which would make the game more exciting.

Or move the goal post back to where they used to be.

[Kindoy]

PAT's are so useless

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

I remember when the fair catch rule was first implemented. The idea was to help prevent injury to the returner due to his being in such a vulnerable position trying to catch the punt.

Yeah I suppose that (and moving the goalpost back to where it used to be) are more safety precautions than anything else.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Kindoy

PAT's are so useless

Apparently the Redskins thought so in the Bucs game last year

[Lotus]

I like the XFL idea where there are no extra point kicks. All extra points are run/pass.

[mooby]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

Would go against what they are trying to achieve. Player safety. Not going to happen.

This.

[Paintrain]

I'd support eliminating the kick from the 2 yard line but moving to the 18, making it a 35 yard FG or going for 2 from the 2 yard line. It would make that play mean something other than when it fails by randomly poor execution (TB game) or fluke (Suh having to kick because regular kicker got hurt).

[gafinfan]

I think your points about kickoffs are well thought out and agree they should be returned unless kicked out of the endzone. That should be flagged just like it went out on the sideline!

You is right in stating the ball is live once kicked and should be treated as such with the return team not being able to just catch it in the end zone and have it then being given a gift by putting it on the 20 yard line! If they want to fair catch it it should have to only happen in the field of play!

To say that an onside kick must happen within a certain yardage is crazy imho when in fact the whole field is in play! This would force the recieving team to have to act in such a way to raise the level of excitement concerning the kicking game. Whether the 30 yard or 35 yard line is used is not material to the subject imo while it is much more important to have the recieving team do ANYTHING rather than just fair catch the ball in the endzone. Just as the QB can't be caught inside the endzone the kick return man should be treated the same way

As for the extra point I have no opinion one way or the other, my whole desire is to see the level of excitement increase and return to the game I love.