NFL Considers Eliminating Kickoffs

**Scotzo** · 12-10-12, 01:58 PM

Thoughts?

Personally, I don't want to eliminate kickoffs. I enjoy the high speed pursuit, I like the fact that kickoffs allow for possible TD returns, and I like on-side kicks because of their high risk/reward.

I know they are trying to reduce injury, but eliminating kickoffs would take too much away from the game. Let me run some stats that Mike Pereira highlighted. From 2010 to 2011, by moving the kickoff to the 35 yard line, the amount of kickoffs returned has decreased 27% and concussions have decreased 40%. Players are more aware of safety and this is why, out of the 128 kickoffs yesterday in the NFL, there were no major injuries. They don't have to eliminate kickoffs

**CivilWars** · 12-10-12, 02:03 PM

I think it is stupid, but is just the next step in killing the NFL. No, I don't want to see players injured, but they are about 2 steps removed from 2 hand touch. The "defenseless receiver" rule is retarded, and if you look at a QB with a scowl when he doesn't have the ball you will draw a flag. It is supposed to be tackle football for Pete's sake.

**iLLusioN** · 12-10-12, 02:12 PM

Feels like Make it & take it in basketball...stupid. I don't really see if reducing injury as much as they claim it will.

Also, to me the kickoff is a majorly important and symbolic part of the game. Nothing can swing the momentum of a game quite like a kick off returned for a touchdown. I feel that starting off the game with anything else would seem wrong.

Quickly becoming the No Fun League.

**Alundil** · 12-10-12, 02:14 PM

Professional Flag Football anyone?

**Kanati** · 12-10-12, 02:18 PM

They do that I'll be forced to stop watching it and watch <gag> college ball... And I don't wanna do THAT.

**enf** · 12-10-12, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by Kanati8869

They do that I'll be forced to stop watching it and watch <gag> college ball... And I don't wanna do THAT.

haha That makes two of us...

They might as well outlaw crossing routes in the middle of the field because of the likeliness of a big hit.

I love how they keep throwing out the "player safety" card but make two teams fly all the way out to London to play a game and now have 17 straight weeks of ThNF giving players less time to rest between games.

**~BigTymer~** · 12-10-12, 02:43 PM

WAIT....I know they can have a spelling contest...Oh lord

**DJ Ms. White** · 12-10-12, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by CivilWars

I think it is stupid, but is just the next step in killing the NFL. No, I don't want to see players injured, but they are about 2 steps removed from 2 hand touch. The "defenseless receiver" rule is retarded, and if you look at a QB with a scowl when he doesn't have the ball you will draw a flag. It is supposed to be tackle football for Pete's sake.

**iLLusioN** · 12-10-12, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by enf

haha That makes two of us...

They might as well outlaw crossing routes in the middle of the field because of the likeliness of a big hit.

I love how they keep throwing out the "player safety" card but make two teams fly all the way out to London to play a game and now have 17 straight weeks of ThNF giving players less time to rest between games.

Not to mention they still do jack shit for the players that historically have the most long term injuries....OL,DL,LB,RB.

They still allow adjacent chop blocks to engaged defenders - for example a Guard can chop a D-lineman as long as the person blocking him is one of the lineman to his left or right. If he does it for the guy the TE is blocking, it's illegal, or if a RB or TE does it for him, it is illegal. They can even dive into the back of the legs of the D-lineman and it's still legal. Ever wonder how Denver, Baltimore, and Tennessee have always fielded such a good o-lines? Ever wonder why they always come out in the top in the "dirty team" polls? This is why. All the coaches in the "Shannahan" tree teach this as well...pretty dirty and is the reason you see so many D-lineman with leg injuries. Washington is now doing a ton of this as well...great at creating running lanes...but it causes so many injuries.

Also, the TNF games are another red flag to me...4 days of rest after a game as brutal as this one is(still) is not enough. I'd love to see a stat of the % of injuries on Thursday night compared to Sunday/Monday games.