Touchbacks now coming out to the 25

[6025]

Not sure if they're trying to limit kick returns or are trying to make kickers kick it in the field of play ala Nick Novak.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15049406/nfl-moves-touchbacks-25-yard-line-approves-automatic-ejection-two-unsportsmanlike-penalties

[BlazingBolt]

They are trying to cut down on returns even more because they think they are the most dangerous play in the game.

I don't like these types of changes. This is the first step toward eliminating the kickoff entirely. They going to screw with punting next?

[Lightningwill_420]

They are trying to cut down on returns even more because they think they are the most dangerous play in the game.

I don't like these types of changes. This is the first step toward eliminating the kickoff entirely. They going to screw with punting next?

I'm all for eliminating the kicking game. It's the most boring part of football. The setting up of the game-winning field goal is the most anticlimactic event in sports. And the punt? Fucking go for it.

[Bolt-O]

I'm all for eliminating the kicking game. It's the most boring part of football. The setting up of the game-winning field goal is the most anticlimactic event in sports. And the punt? Fucking go for it.

If not for kicking, there would be no 'foot' in American "Football". I think euro's like to call our game "Gridiron" instead.

[BoltBalls]

I actually think this will increase the frequency of kick returns, since kickers will now be more inclined to not boot it out of the back of the endzone and instead put more air time under it and have it land just inside the 5 to force a return that will most likely be within the 25 yard line.

[bonehead]

I actually think this will increase the frequency of kick returns, since kickers will now be more inclined to not boot it out of the back of the endzone and instead put more air time under it and have it land just inside the 5 to force a return that will most likely be within the 25 yard line.

I thought the same thing...what happened to "player safety" ?

[BoltBalls]

I thought the same thing...what happened to "player safety" ?

Yeah it seems a little counter-productive and not well thought out if added safety was the only goal. It might make things a bit more interesting for watching kickoffs however.

[bonehead]

Yeah it seems a little counter-productive and not well thought out if added safety was the only goal. It might make things a bit more interesting for watching kickoffs however.

I agree

[TTK]

I don't get the logic behind this rule change.

If they want to eliminate the kickoff for "player safety" (i.e. lawsuits), they should just move the kick off spot to midfield. Even Novak could boot it out of the end zone every time from there.

[Lightningwill_420]

If not for kicking, there would be no 'foot' in American "Football". I think euro's like to call our game "Gridiron" instead.

Gridiron is a badass name.

The NGL.

[6025]

I actually think this will increase the frequency of kick returns, since kickers will now be more inclined to not boot it out of the back of the endzone and instead put more air time under it and have it land just inside the 5 to force a return that will most likely be within the 25 yard line.

That was my first thought too, guys like Novak who are accurate but not powerful on kickoffs will thrive.

[RTPbolt]

I think it takes away the advantage of a strong-legged kicker. Frankly id say the many touchbacks lead to a useless play....literally nothing happens. So its like the extra point logic to make it a more meaningful play by making it hurt the kicking team if they want to go for the touchback.