Onside kicks are thrilling when they work in the NFL. But let’s be honest — they almost never do.
That’s why it’s a great thing that it seems like the league is seriously considering turning the Philadelphia Eagles’ alternative onside kick proposal into a reality.
The league will vote on potential rule changes that were proposed in March on May 28 and it seems that the main one gaining steam is the Eagles’ proposal. The rule change would allow teams to maintain possession by going for it on 4th-and-15 at their own 25 yard line instead of trying to recover an onside kick.
The league seems to be into it, according to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
NFL clubs today received updated playing rules change proposals.
Most interesting: an alternative to the onside kick that would allow a team a chance to maintain possession by going for it on 4th-and-15 from their 25-yard line. Sounds like support for the idea is growing.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 21, 2020
This absolutely needs to happen. Not only would it be a safer, more sensical alternative to the onside kick. But it’ll also be more exciting, more often than not!
It turns out teams are pretty good at 4th-and-15 plays, according to data from NFL research.
No more onside kick?
On 4th-and-15, @NFL teams were collectively…
2019: 2/7 (28.6%)
2015-2019: 7/29 (24.1%)
via 👉🏻 @NFLResearch
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) May 21, 2020
This seems like a pretty good idea to me. High-octane offenses going for it on fourth and long with the game hanging in the balance? Sign me up.
Come on, NFL. Do the right thing.
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