No More NFL Kickoffs?

[Townhallsavoy]

And one of the more prevalent talking points lately has centered on the dangers of kickoffs. Prior to the 2011 season, kickoffs were moved up to the 35-yard-line, drastically decreasing the number of returns attempted. If at least one NFL coach has his way, the league won’t stop there.

According to TIME, Goodell recently discussed with Rick McKay, Falcons president and head of the NFL’s competition committee, a radical rule change proposed by Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano. Instead of a kickoff, the team that scored would then take the ball on its own 30-yard line in, essentially, a 4th-and-15 situation. In other words, they could attempt to keep their offense on the field and try to pick up 15 yards, at the risk of turning the ball over on downs; or they could punt.

“I don’t do things for public relations,” Goodell said. “I do things because they’re the right thing to do, because I love the game.”

However, is there a line where watching out for player safety infringes on the very nature of the game? Limiting kickoff returns is one thing (even that drew groans from fans), but eliminating them completely in favor of an off-the-wall replacement rule? That might change the game dramatically, and not necessarily for the better.

http://nfl.si.com/2012/12/06/roger-goodell-opens-up-on-letting-the-chiefs-play-possible-rule-changes/?sct=hp_t2_a4&eref=sihp

[Godfather]

http://nfl.si.com/2012/12/06/roger-goodell-opens-up-on-letting-the-chiefs-play-possible-rule-changes/?sct=hp_t2_a4&eref=sihp

Stupid.

How are punts any safer then kick-offs?
And if they are, then why not just line up in the traditional punt formation at the 40 yard line and punt the ball to start the game.

[Townhallsavoy]

Stupid.

How are punts any safer then kick-offs?
And if they are, then why not just line up in the traditional punt formation at the 40 yard line and punt the ball to start the game.

No more crossing routes, fullback leads, and leaping to catch the ball.

For safety. 

[RWS]

No more crossing routes, fullback leads, and leaping to catch the ball.

For safety.

No kidding.  Tons of injuries happen over the middle on the crossing routes. Let's just eliminate throwing the ball period.  Or maybe you can't throw to the inside of the hash marks.  Let's eliminate offensive and defensive lines because linemen fall on each others legs and break legs.  Go back to how we played in elementary school and count to 5 Mississippi before rushing the QB.

[GH2001]

Sorry but this is what happens when emotions get the better of people. This was proposed by Schiano who went through the Eric LeGrand tragedy on a kickoff. Totally emotion driven and totally reactionary.

[dallaswareagle]

No kidding.  Tons of injuries happen over the middle on the crossing routes. Let's just eliminate throwing the ball period.  Or maybe you can't throw to the inside of the hash marks.  Let's eliminate offensive and defensive lines because linemen fall on each others legs and break legs.  Go back to how we played in elementary school and count to 5 Mississippi before rushing the QB.

Well Jake won't get drafted then.

[AUChizad]

Totally emotion driven and totally reactionary.

Goodell's M.O.

Scrambling to cover his ass from litigation.

[Snaggletiger]

Goodell's M.O.

Scrambling to cover his ass from litigation.

The Saints were framed.

[Godfather]

The Saints were framed.

CONSPIRACY!!!!!

[JR4AU]

Football is a violent sport and the players know the risks, and accept them.  That really couldn't be said 25 years ago with all the advances in medical studies since, but it's true today.   

[bottomfeeder]

I can understand in the NFL (when was the last NFL kickoff returned for a TD), but HS and college it should remain. Sound like Saban started this shit.