The NFL’s kicking game needs a refresh. Harrison Butker’s 69-yard field goal in preseason showcased how today’s kickers are outperforming predecessors. Modern kickers consistently achieve impressive heights, distance, and accuracy. Yet, despite their prowess, the kicking game often lacks excitement and predictability reigns. Attempts to spice things up, such as moving back extra points and modifying kickoffs, haven’t revived interest. Here’s how to reinvigorate it:
Add a Crossbar on Top of Field Goal Posts
Transform the field goal structure into a rectangle to challenge kickers to precisely ‘place’ kicks between the posts without excess altitude. This change will require each kick to clear the lower bar and remain between the posts, minimizing referee decision-making on high kicks. By doing this, every attempt—from routine 38-yarders to extra points—becomes engaging. NFL kickers can hit 70–80-yard field goals in practice, suggesting greater complexity suits their skill level. Current pro standards demand evading defense by elevating kicks 11 feet above ground, a skill mastered by today’s kickers. Now, it’s time to demand more precision, making field goals resemble an actual goal.
Eliminate Coin Toss and Traditional Kickoffs
Replace routine pre-game activities with a thrilling sprint that determines possession. Imagine selecting the league’s quickest players from each team to race from the goal line to midfield, vying for the game ball. The winner’s team starts at their 20-yard line. Home teams claim possession at midfield if neither player gathers the ball inbound.
Additionally, redefine post-score kickoffs. Begin with the scoring team at their own 35-yard line, advancing 20 yards with one play to retain possession. Failure means turnover to the defense. This system emulates the on-side kick while maintaining excitement. Teams may opt to punt, with NFL punts averaging 46.7 yards, usually landing near 20-yard lines. This setup introduces strategizing, such as blocking punts or fair catches, bypassing the dullness of current kickoff methods.
Abolish Sudden Death Overtime
Currently, having a strong kicker in overtime offers undue advantage. Instead, align overtime with college football playoffs and high school practices. Each team receives one possession without a coin toss. The home team decides action initially, alternating if tied. Play persists until victory is claimed.
These suggestions aim to amplify enjoyment and inject unpredictability into games, compelling teams to leverage strategy, skill, and speed. Testing new kickoff configurations during pre-season next year might validate their effectiveness.
Other improvements could involve adopting bigger, safer helmets and eliminating long lip-syncing halftime shows. Football enthusiasts seek focus on the game, including watching the exciting initial sprint for ball possession.