NFL considering the replacement of kickoffs

[hels]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/06/goodell-floats-novel-idea-for-replacing-kickoffs/

Basically, instead of kicking off, the team would receive the ball at their own 30 facing a 4th and 15. So, they could either punt the ball (replaces kickoff) or go for 4th and 15 (replaces onside kick).

Interesting to say the least. It might take some time getting used too if this ever goes through.

[5mike5]

doubt that will happen, but intersesting

[tto827]

This is the first logical way to get rid of kickoffs that I've heard. Still think it is a LOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG way out.

[eastern2]

New Orleans would never get the ball back lmfao

[floridagolfer]

So as the punt returner is waiting to catch the ball and a player from the kicking team plows him over at full speed . . . yeah, that makes everything SO much safer.

[daneblazer]

I'm just waiting for the day everyone wears flags on their hips

[Cuse0323]

Stupid, just play two hand touch if you're gonna turn it into this shit.

[darkhat]

doubt it happens

bill bell hates kickoffs

[Smoke]

Happens it doubt

Kickoffs hates bell bill

[bigsmitty]

Stupid, just play two hand touch if you're gonna turn it into this shit.

Agreed for the most part but with the reality of lawsuits, concussion reports blah blah we have to make some changes. Should just adopt the CFL rule that the returner gets a five yard window of space and there is no fair catch rule. Makes sense to me, can still crank the guy without having heads rolling down the field and it keeps the basic nature of the game intact. Cheers

[hels]

So as the punt returner is waiting to catch the ball and a player from the kicking team plows him over at full speed . . . yeah, that makes everything SO much safer.

I completely agree with you.

If they are that concerned they should think of using a rule similar to the CFL - The kicking team cannot be within 5 yards of the ball when it is touched by the return team. I am not saying this is a good rule or better rule, just if the NFL wants to go full out on head injuries this should be considered.

[TheCentaur]

They need to replace the current helmets with huge ultra cushiony bobble head helmets. We get both safety and comedy then

[Carseller4]

I like Rush Limbaugh's idea:

Set up a bowling lane on the sidelines. Get the teams best bowler and he gets 3 yds for every pin. A strike lets you start at the 30, a gutter ball sets you up inside the 1.

Good ole Limbaugh, illustrating absurdity by being absurd.

[byronbb]

I'm just waiting for the day everyone wears flags on their hips

I laughed but it's true.

[str]

4th and 15?

Norv's worst nightmare.

[hels]

They just need to make a rule that you can only tackle by pushing (using your hands)/grabbing/wrapping up. You aren't allowed to tackle like a hockey body check (where head injuries are quite common). You start this rule at the youngest levels of football and it will eventually (over 15-30 years) grandfather itself in.

Rugby has a rule that you cannot tackle with your shoulder (outer shoulder like a hockey bodycheck). Hockey is having problems with head injuries when open ice hits happen (player with puck has his head down and bodychecker hits him with his shoulder square in the head).

[Butterface]

They have been talking about this for months now. Don't like it

[GunShard]

Kickoffs already changed, this would just make it worst.

[Duff85]

So as the punt returner is waiting to catch the ball and a player from the kicking team plows him over at full speed . . . yeah, that makes everything SO much safer.

Yep I thought the same thing when I read it. Plus the muffed punt has to be one of the most frustrating elements of the game for gamblers. Just put the ball on the 20 and go.