Changes to the kicking rule.

[Jim Beankie]

I like this a lot. For once, I want a returner to have a running start and try to catch it running close to full speed, but the risk for something like that is staggering.

New NFL Kickoff Rule | NFL Football Operations

operations.nfl.com

 

[turkeyneck]

This is not new in sports. In baseball we have the fly out with a runner tagging from 3rd base. The Refs (guessing on each sideline) just need to stand at the 45/50.

You're right. This is more or less the same issue. Nevertheless, it is a physiological impossibility to focus one's attention on two things at the same time. The cries of missed/wrong calls will come.

 

[Jim Beankie]

You're right. This is more or less the same issue. Nevertheless, it is a physiological impossibility to focus one's attention on two things at the same time. The cries of missed/wrong calls will come.

I guess we'll see how lenient they all are à la the "Left Tackle starting early with no false start" phenomenon. The kicking team will definitely push the envelope as much as they can. Guessing it'll have to be blatant, whatever that means [, or depending on where the money is for gambling].

 

[rochrist]

I’m interested. Kickoff is a useless play 90% of the time. Teams are still going to send it sailing through the end zone most of the time though.

I don't know. What with them coming out to the 35 now, I know I wouldn't want to play it that way.

 

[1960Pats]

You're right. This is more or less the same issue. Nevertheless, it is a physiological impossibility to focus one's attention on two things at the same time. The cries of missed/wrong calls will come.

Beside the tag-up on a fly ball, the first base umpire in baseball focuses on the catch and the runner's foot. Both calls are fairly easy to pull off if the ref moves his ass into the correct position.

 

[1960Pats]

Is the best kick one that lands in either corner at the 5 but doesn't go into the EZ? Is that even possible?

 

[turkeyneck]

Beside the tag-up on a fly ball, the first base umpire in baseball focuses on the catch and the runner's foot. Both calls are fairly easy to pull off if the ref moves his ass into the correct position.

True, but that's easier since both points of attention are in close proximity.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

Interesting. Not sure if this changes the touchback rate but anything that gives us a chance to see less touchbacks and a more exciting play again is worth a try.

Bill probably already knows how to beat it......oh wait...damn.

Ha, exactly! After Mayo gets fired and Bob Kraft is put out to pasture, I would like to see BB hired back and get those 15 wins. I definitely don't want to see Mayo get fired, but unless there is a draft day miracle, the Patriots are doomed next season and Mayo will be the fall guy. Poor Mayo has been saddled with a pathetic offense; right now it is worse than last year.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

One of the most horrifying things I saw in the old days was when BB put Lawrence Taylor on kickoff coverage. After the play, they would have to cart guys off the field. BB still talks about what a terror LT was on kickoffs