NFL to reportedly reconsider possibility of implementing wild onside kick idea that was originally shot down

[CGI_Ram]

NFL to reportedly reconsider possibility of implementing wild onside kick idea that was originally shot down

The NFL could have a crazy new rule for the 2020 season involving onside kicks

www.cbssports.com

NFL to reportedly reconsider possibility of implementing wild onside kick idea that was originally shot down

Back in 2018, the NFL's 32 owners voted to implement a new set of kickoff rulesthat ended up having one major unintended side effect -- the new rules basically killed the onside kick. Since the new rules went into effect, it's become almost impossible to recover an onside kick. During the 2018 season, NFL teams combined to recover just 7.69% of all onside kicks (four out of 52). This season, things have actually been worse, as teams have combined to recover just 6.25% of all onside kicks (two out of 32). To put that in perspective, in the five years before the rule change, the onside recovery rate never fell below 13%.

To add some excitement to the onside kick, it appears that the NFL's owners are going to reconsider a rule that was originally shot down back in March at the Annual League Meeting. According to the Washington Post, the league is going to revisit the possibility of implementing a pretty wild rule that was proposed by the Broncos earlier this year.

Basically, the rule would allow teams to try and convert a fourth-and-15 play from their own 35-yard line, instead of attempting an onside kick. If they get the 15 yards, the team would get a first down and keep possession of the ball. If they don't get the 15 yards, the other team would take over possession from wherever the play ended.

The original rule proposal came with several stipulations, including the fact that the fourth-down play could only be attempted once per game and that the one attempt could only come in the fourth quarter. The play could be attempted after any score, including a touchdown or a field goal. A team could also attempt the fourth-and-15 after giving up a safety. Regular onside kicks could still be attempted at any point in the game as well.

If you're wondering how exactly the play would be officiated, all normal rules would apply, so if a defense got called for defensive holding, the five-yard penalty would result in an automatic first down for the offense. Also, if the offense got penalized, they wouldn't be allowed to then kickoff after the penalty is enforced. They'd have to run a fourth-down play from their new line of scrimmage.

Although the rule got shot down by owners in March, there's definitely a possibility that it could get approved this time around. For one, the NFL's competition committee seems to like the rule. The committee actually voted 7-1 in favor of the proposal back in March, and they could try to push it through again. The other reason the NFL could approve the rule is to spice up the fourth quarter of pretty much every game being played. Since onside kick recoveries have become basically impossible, this would give trailing teams a viable way to make a comeback.

For the rule to pass, 24 of the NFL's 32 owners would have to vote on it at the next Annual League Meeting, which is scheduled to be held March 29-April 1 in Palm Beach, Florida.

 

[jetplt67]

It's supposed to be a free kick not a scrimmage play. They're altering the game too much. How about re-implementing onsides kick rules that worked just fine for years and years and stop screwing up the game.

 

[kurtfaulk]

.

the game is run by dumb fucks. it thrives in spite of them, not because of them.

.

 

[SuperMan28]

The problem I have with this change is OPI comes into play. All you gotta do is watch the DeAndre Hopkins OPI no call to understand what how ugly this will inevitably get. Already way too many games where the refs at the end appear to be the difference. This would only make it worse.

 

[den-the-coach]

I concur with @jetplt67 if a team wants to attempt an onside let it be like it was previously. Much better then looking at this idea...Every Owner needs to read Thomas Paine's "Common Sense." before casting a single vote on this ludicrous proposal.

 

[Ram65]

Stupid idea.

In the last five minutes of the half allow teams to lineup however they want.

 

[Akrasian]

Agree with everybody here. If they want to fix a non-existent problem, then return to the old rules. I understand there were injury concerns, etc etc - which is why rather than fix a non-existent problem, with different rules for different times in the game and a one time rule - keep the rules as they are now. They want more excitement at the end of the game, but it is fundamentally flawed to say that a team that has outplayed the other team for three quarters now may lose because the fourth quarter rules are different. Have one set of rules all game.

 

[1maGoh]

Agree with everybody here. If they want to fix a non-existent problem, then return to the old rules. I understand there were injury concerns, etc etc - which is why rather than fix a non-existent problem, with different rules for different times in the game and a one time rule - keep the rules as they are now. They want more excitement at the end of the game, but it is fundamentally flawed to say that a team that has outplayed the other team for three quarters now may lose because the fourth quarter rules are different. Have one set of rules all game.

But they also have different roles for different times. Last 2 minutes of each half you can't challenge and if you do you lose a time out. You're at the mercy of some dipshit in New York to get things right and that dipshit is motivated by self preservation to agree with the official on the field.

 

[Akrasian]

But they also have different roles for different times. Last 2 minutes of each half you can't challenge and if you do you lose a time out. You're at the mercy of some dipshit in New York to get things right and that dipshit is motivated by self preservation to agree with the official on the field.

of course, I think that is poorly thought out by the league too.

 

[Dodgersrf]

I'm might be ok with it, as long as it ONLY leads to possession of the ball.
Get the 15 yards and get possession.
No TD or advancement beyond the 15 yrds.

Even then. Idk.

It seems a 15 yard play has a higher percentage probability, than the original 13% of on side kick.

 

[ProGen]

Jesus Christ.....

 

[fearsomefour]

Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb....fucking dumb.

 

[fearsomefour]

These imbeciles would F up a wet dream.
The game is a damn near perfect game.
They don’t need to add more excitement.
They need to leave it the F alone.
Everything they touch they get wrong.
Return onsides kicks how they were.
Return OT to 15 minutes and go F off.

 

[dieterbrock]

But they also have different roles for different times. Last 2 minutes of each half you can't challenge and if you do you lose a time out. You're at the mercy of some dipshit in New York to get things right and that dipshit is motivated by self preservation to agree with the official on the field.

But the game itself isn't altered. This rule alters the way the game is played.
This is so stupid.
Which means it will probably pass

 

[Angry Ram]

Maybe teams should focus on getting better and winning games, rather than pining for ways to make the game more "fair". Overcome your own damn shortcomings so you won't have to worry about it.

OR.

Accept your defeat like men. Shit happens.

 

[Dodgersrf]

The old rule is gone for good.
It still seems to me, that a 15 yard play has a higher probability rate than the old on side kick.
I could be wrong

 

[oldnotdead]

IMO if they want it then it should be 20 yards from their own 30. Any defensive penalty simply gives them a replay of the down from the same spot. An offensive penalty and the other team gets the ball on the 50 yd line. These days a 15 yd pass play is too common IMO.

Or what the hell just do 3 of 4 coin tosses to start from their own 40 if they are worried about injuries and to take the refs out of it completely. Nothing more exciting than a coin toss and the TV networks can simply run commercials and tell the audience later what happened.

 

[1maGoh]

But the game itself isn't altered. This rule alters the way the game is played.
This is so stupid.
Which means it will probably pass

Alerting the game want the point I was arguing. You are *technically* correct.

 

[EastRam]

Why don’t kickers come up with better ways to kick, an onsides kick.

Do they have to run and kick the ball.

Is it against the rules to just stand in front of the ball and place their foot on it from under and fluff the ball straight up like a punt.

Geesh NFL. Give teams time to work on it. Quit trying to fix a game that isn’t broken!