Interesting potential KO/KOR rule changes
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:07 pm
This article focuses on the effectiveness of Cowboys kicker Dave Boehler as a weapon and how that would change with the passage of several rule changes under consideration. To wit:
1. The KO line moves back to the 35 to combat the rash of injuries inherent on kickoffs.
2. The non-kickers must line up no greater than five yards back, thereby eliminating a flying start.
3. Touchbacks would come out to the 25 vice the 20, both killing the idea of booming KOs out the back of the end zone and giving aggressive return men some pause on bringing it out.
4. Wedges, now limited to two people, would be completely eliminated.
Are these good rules? While I like the idea of moving the KO back to the 35, I DON'T like moving the touchback to the 25. It gives too much credit to the receiving team. I'm not sure I like the proposed alignment rule, either. That and the wedge rule, IMO, screw with the game too much, sort of like the proposed new skirt rules. I wouldn't mind seeing the automatic TB on punts removed, but that would only work if the NFL instituted the CFL rouge rule, which probably wouldn't go over well with most fans.
Discuss.
1. The KO line moves back to the 35 to combat the rash of injuries inherent on kickoffs.
2. The non-kickers must line up no greater than five yards back, thereby eliminating a flying start.
3. Touchbacks would come out to the 25 vice the 20, both killing the idea of booming KOs out the back of the end zone and giving aggressive return men some pause on bringing it out.
4. Wedges, now limited to two people, would be completely eliminated.
Are these good rules? While I like the idea of moving the KO back to the 35, I DON'T like moving the touchback to the 25. It gives too much credit to the receiving team. I'm not sure I like the proposed alignment rule, either. That and the wedge rule, IMO, screw with the game too much, sort of like the proposed new skirt rules. I wouldn't mind seeing the automatic TB on punts removed, but that would only work if the NFL instituted the CFL rouge rule, which probably wouldn't go over well with most fans.
Discuss.