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Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Fri Dec 7, 2012 4:35 am
by ElectricMayhem
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/06/goodell-floats-novel-idea-for-replacing-kickoffs/Sean Gregory of TIME writes that one of the options being considered for replacing kickoffs entails giving the ball to the team that would have been kicking off at its own 30, automatically facing a fourth down and 15 yards to go. The team can then choose to punt or go for it, via fake punt or otherwise.
The idea would be to remove completely the high-speed, open-field collisions between large men who dip their heads instinctively at impact and place extra pressure on the C3-C4 area of the spine. While other injuries would be possible during the punt play that replaces the kickoff, the risk of catastrophic injury would be reduced.
What's your opinion? From an injury standpoint? From a gameplay standpoint?
Personally, I don't see a huge necessity from an injury standpoint. How often do you see one of these catastrophic injuries on kickoff returns?
From a gameplay perspective, I think it's a little more interesting. I prefer the possibilities of a 4th and 15 play to an onside kick. Still, is it worth making such a big alteration to the game? That's where I'm on the fence. I am, however, in agreement with the anti-PAT critics.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Fri Dec 7, 2012 4:42 am
by Celtics_Champs
Stupidest idea, sounds fake almost. If you're really thinking about getting rid of kickoffs, just give each team the ball on the 20 after every score. Just like a touchback, that's it, please don't try and get all ridiculous with this, Goodell.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Fri Dec 7, 2012 2:13 pm
by Icness
I think this is Goodell trying to create something so stupid that when he just gets rid of the kickoff and teams get the ball at the 25 it won't seem so bad. You better believe there will be no kickoffs by 2015; several scouting staffs have already been advised to not worry about scouting kick return men.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Fri Dec 7, 2012 4:36 pm
by Higga
Terrible terrible terrible. Goodell is destroying the NFL. Eventually we're just gonna get rid of tackling and play flag football.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Fri Dec 7, 2012 6:50 pm
by gswhoops
I think the 4th and 15 proposal is stupid, and agree (though I don't like it) that kick-offs will probably be eliminated.
IMO the best way to prevent injuries is to change the way people tackle - in rugby, it's a penalty to make a hit without trying to wrap up the ball carrier, and it stops people from flying into tackles with their heads. Would like to see something like that in football, which would help limit concussions without turning the NFL into touch football.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Fri Dec 7, 2012 8:00 pm
by Worm Guts
I don't think it's stupid, but it is a pretty drastic change.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Fri Dec 7, 2012 8:23 pm
by sunshinekids99
We are getting to the silly point with this guy. I'm all for player safety, but no reason to change how the game is playef.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Fri Dec 7, 2012 8:55 pm
by LAKESHOW
Dont like it. Think its stupid. Dumb idea. Worst decision.
HOWEVER . . .
Im not the one facing multi-multi million dollar lawsuits either...
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Sat Dec 8, 2012 12:07 am
by Mamba Mentality
They're just going to ridiculous measures to keep players safe, it's to a point where the integrity of the game is coming into question. Players make a choice to play in the NFL, injuries are a part of their job, live with it.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Sat Dec 8, 2012 1:20 am
by Jake0890
It's nice to see moves to prevent serious injuries, but you can't change the game to do so. This is a horrible idea, kickoffs are a big part of the NFL.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Sat Dec 8, 2012 8:04 am
by Yunsen
Sounds like a joke. Would love to see a stat of what % of injuries have occured on kickoffs this season.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Sat Dec 8, 2012 6:56 pm
by Icness
DerekRD wrote:Sounds like a joke. Would love to see a stat of what % of injuries have occured on kickoffs this season.
Before the lockout the NFLPA cited that 26% of all plays that resulted in a player going on IR were special teams, which make up just 9% of the total plays in the season. Not sure how it broke out into kickoffs but I would imagine that is was a very high percentage. I heard a Sirius NFL host say that over 1/4 of the concussions suffered came from kickoffs, not sure the validity on that.
Re: Kickoff vs. 4th and 15
Posted: Sat Dec 8, 2012 10:36 pm
by Worm Guts
Celtics_Champs wrote:Stupidest idea, sounds fake almost. If you're really thinking about getting rid of kickoffs, just give each team the ball on the 20 after every score. Just like a touchback, that's it, please don't try and get all ridiculous with this, Goodell.
You need an onside kick equivalent, some way for the kicking team to keep possession IMO.