On Friday, concerns were raised about a potential flaw in the new kickoff rule that could result in defenses targeting kickers during PAT attempts without facing any consequences. The issue arises because penalties on PAT attempts only affect the location of the kick, but do not change the configuration of other 21 players. This means that there is no downside for defenses to go all out to block an extra point. After posting the story and discussing it on Friday’s PFT Live, some believe that teams may have the option to enforce a penalty on the PAT attempt after the kickoff. For example, if roughing the kicker happens during the PAT attempt, the kicking team could back up their offense from 30 to 15 before starting their next drive. However, according to the NFL, there is currently no option for teams to enforce after a kickoff.
The special teams working group is continuing to work with the Officiating department to make any necessary approved rulings and additional language to support this new rule. This language will be vetted with clubs, circulated for comment to all clubs and finalized by May meeting for membership. In theory, this process could be used to address loopholes such as targeting kickers during PAT attempts. However, giving kicking teams an option to enforce roughing during a PAT attempt after a kick could create complications especially if receiving teams return kicks for touchdowns. This raises concerns about taking away touchdowns for penalties that were not committed during those plays.
This situation highlights how rushed was implemented new kickoff rule and more time should have been taken into consideration before launching it. The challenge posed by defenses having no reason not go all out block every single PAT also presents significant challenges at present there does not seem simple or effective solution in place yet . If you have any suggestions please feel free share them
