the NFL wants returns
by jt (2024-03-04 11:24:22)

In reply to: Make it optional  posted by Nathan

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they believe that it adds excitement to the game. They don't like the touchback.

Then college should make it optional
by Nathan  (2024-03-04 14:45:32)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

When both kickers consistently put the kick off through the uprights, and every man, woman and child watching, knows that’s what’s going to happen, it is pointless.

There are a lot of times when it’s just like the intentional walk in baseball. Going through the motions just wastes time.
again, that's what they're trying to change
by jt  (2024-03-04 17:00:58)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

they're saying that if you kick it out of the end zone, the other team gets the ball on the 35 (not the 25). That's a huge difference, as it is basically 2 first downs until you're in field goal range (give or take). They want to force the teams to kick it shorter to set up the return, and they're trying to make it safer by not giving the kicking team the ability to run 60 yards full speed prior to getting blocked. By lining up both teams 5 yards apart on the one side of the field and not allowing them to go until the ball is caught, it places the emphasis on blocking and shedding blocks, and it will allow for more returns. If you do want to get a touchback, you need to kick it so that it bounces before the goal line and goes into the endzone, and then the team gets the ball on the 20. In other words, it can reward well placed kicks.

It's not necessarily my favorite method, but they're trying to bring some safety into what is potentially one of the more exciting plays in the game. I can respect it.