Apocalypse coming? Former JEST ST coach Mike Westhoff has a good idea

ctpatsfan77 · Oct 4, 2013

I suppose it's the former part that makes all the difference.

Mike Westhoff believes NFL is making special teams obsolete | The MMQB with Peter King

It's basically a way to reduce the number of touchbacks on kickoffs while reducing the risk of injuries, and I have to say it's not bad.

ThatllMoveTheChains!!! · Oct 4, 2013

It's a good idea, so it's never going to be implemented. Every rule change in the past decade has been tilted more towards luck/fluke plays than smart football. Such rules favor big plays, high scores, and parity; essentially placating the mouth breathing masses that want nothing but 90 yd returns and 50 yd bombs.

everlong · Oct 4, 2013

They should at least try it out in the preseason to see how it goes.

BradyFTW! · Oct 4, 2013

That's actually intriguing.

PatsWickedPissah · Oct 4, 2013

Logical. Improves player safety. Entertaining. A pathway to develop players otherwise lost in the shuffle.
I don't have faith in the NFL Competition Committee braintrust to recognize this.

pencilneckgeek · Oct 4, 2013

Westhoff was a great coach, and that' s a great idea. I think the competition committee gives it a serious look over - maybe not for next year, but something like that will happen sometime, because kickoffs are a snooze now. We mouthbreathing masses want more returns.

TomPatriot · Oct 4, 2013

Just require the kicking team to punt or drop kick the ball from the 35 yard line with the man lineups that Westhof proposes. There is no need for artificial assistance from a kicking tee and kicks out of the end zone.

I would also require that PATs be snapped from the 25 or 30 yard line, so it is really an extra point and not an automatic one.

slam · Oct 4, 2013

TomPatriot said:
Just require the kicking team to punt or drop kick the ball from the 35 yard line with the man lineups that Westhof proposes. There is no need for artificial assistance from a kicking tee and kicks out of the end zone.

I would also require that PATs be snapped from the 25 or 30 yard line, so it is really an extra point and not an automatic one.

That sounds like Greg Schiano's kickoff alternative proposal. I like it slightly less than Westhoff's idea, as Westhoff's proposal preserves the possibility for a surprise onside kick at any time.

ThatllMoveTheChains!!! · Oct 4, 2013

TomPatriot said:
Just require the kicking team to punt or drop kick the ball from the 35 yard line with the man lineups that Westhof proposes. There is no need for artificial assistance from a kicking tee and kicks out of the end zone.

I would also require that PATs be snapped from the 25 or 30 yard line, so it is really an extra point and not an automatic one.

I think you'd have to drop the OB rule as well if you were to do this; not arguing either way.

DarrylStingley · Oct 4, 2013

I sat next to Westhoff on a flight from NY to Boston when Ty Law played for the Jets.

Very nice guy.

Very insightful.

Said Law took away half the field on defense and it was an amazing luxury to have that on the team.

TomPatriot · Oct 4, 2013

ThatllMoveTheChains!!! said:
I think you'd have to drop the OB rule as well if you were to do this; not arguing either way.

Yes, you would have a modified version of the old rule: a five year penalty every time the ball is kicked out of bounds before it hits the ground.

PatsWickedPissah · Oct 4, 2013

TomPatriot said:
Yes, you would have a modified version of the old rule: a five year penalty every time the ball is kicked out of bounds before it hits the ground.

WAY too severe

lurker1965 · Oct 4, 2013

Good idea. Won't happen, but good idea.

Batman · Oct 4, 2013

I read the article earlier on Westhoff seems to miss that punt cover guys have became so important and says downed in the 20 are fair catches stop a STer from shining I disagree that is the case the ultimate aim for these cover guys is no return not making a big hit 10 yards down the field.

He is dead on about kickoff though.

Gwedd · Oct 4, 2013

TomPatriot said:
Just require the kicking team to punt or drop kick the ball from the 35 yard line with the man lineups that Westhof proposes. There is no need for artificial assistance from a kicking tee and kicks out of the end zone.

I would also require that PATs be snapped from the 25 or 30 yard line, so it is really an extra point and not an automatic one.

I have long been in favour of doing away with the PAT and making the team that scores either pass it into the end zone (for one point) or run it in for two points. Line up in the current spot, but no more place kicking the PAT.

Fencer · Oct 4, 2013

ctpatsfan77 said:
I suppose it's the former part that makes all the difference.

At least one former Jets coach turned out pretty well. :rocker:

Apocalypse coming? Former JEST ST coach Mike Westhoff has a good idea

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