OT: Goodell has discussed eliminating kickoffs in the NFL
Roger Goodell recently discussed the possibility of eliminating kickoffs with the head of the NFL's competition committee. Even more interestingly, they talked about Greg Schiano's suggestion that a team that scores should have, after its extra point try, essentially a 4th and 15 at their own 30 yard line, from which they can either punt or try to win another possession by getting the 15 yards.
I like Schiano's idea because it would add to the excitement of the game by allowing for more comebacks. I also think that organized football faces an enormous threat to its existence as we know it because of the research that is coming out about concussions, so something has to be done, and it might as well be a fun something. What do you say?
EDIT: Further info: There were 270 reported concussions in the NFL in 2010, 35 of which were on kickoffs. There were 266 reported concussions in the NFL in 2011, 20 of which were on kickoffs. The drop in concussions on kickoffs coincided with the move of the kickoff line from the 30 to the 35, which increased touchbacks.
December 6th, 2012 at 11:02 PM ^
December 6th, 2012 at 11:03 PM ^
December 7th, 2012 at 1:44 AM ^
I would love to see the 4th and 15 replace the onside kick, but only as an option. You could also do a normal kick off, because those are part of the excitement too (obviously, the opposing coach would be given knowledge as to the decision made).
December 7th, 2012 at 12:47 PM ^
On another note, Goodell has discussed eliminating the NFL entirely.