Imagine a world where NFL kickers aren’t just rewarded for perfection but for daring precision. What if hitting the goalposts wasn’t a failure, but a strategic triumph worth extra points? This bold idea could revolutionize the game, but it’s not without controversy. Let’s dive in.
In San Jose, California, Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers has achieved what many thought impossible: a perfect 100% field goal percentage in a season, alongside the record for most points scored without a touchdown. During the offseason, Myers hones his accuracy by targeting the bright yellow goalposts from 50 yards away. “I’ll hit a few,” he admits, though during games, such precision is rarely the goal. Similarly, Patriots rookie kicker Andy Borregales practices hitting the uprights, a drill he estimates he succeeds at about one-third of the time. Yet, in a live game, these ‘doinks’ are worth nothing—a heartbreaking near-miss that can alter the game’s outcome as dramatically as Charlie Brown’s infamous football blunder.
But what if these near-misses weren’t failures? What if hitting the uprights earned you extra points? This question sparked curiosity among kickers and coaches alike. “I’ve never heard that one before,” Myers said, while Seahawks special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh called it “a fantastic question.” Patriots coordinator Jeremy Springer went further: “It would make the kicking game drastically different.”
NFL kickers are undeniably better than ever, thanks to specialized training and rule changes allowing teams to practice with game-ready balls. Kickers like Springer’s own Borregales can now consistently hit 65 to 70-yard field goals, prompting teams to attempt longer kicks more frequently. This shift has led to a surge in field goal attempts, with fans voicing frustration over games reduced to predictable kicking duels. While narrowing the goalposts could handicap kickers, why not instead raise the stakes? What if kickers were incentivized to attempt high-risk, high-reward feats like hitting the uprights?
Here’s the proposal: Award one extra point for field goals that make contact with the posts, making it a four-point play. After touchdowns, a successful ‘doink’ would earn two points instead of one. This simple change could inject drama, excitement, and strategic depth into the game. But would it work? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the rule; it’s about how it reshapes the game.
Springer believes it would depend on the kicker’s style. “If your kicker is more of an accuracy guy, you’d definitely consider it,” he said, especially within shorter distances like 30 yards. Harbaugh, however, was skeptical, arguing that even the best kickers might struggle to consistently hit the uprights on purpose. “It’s a risky proposition,” he noted.
The kickers themselves were cautious. “It’s all about the flow of the game,” Myers said, while Borregales admitted, “I’d probably still aim for the middle.” Yet, such a rule change could inspire a new era of training, favoring accuracy over sheer power. As Springer pointed out, “You’d want more accurate kickers, not just big-leg guys.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Would this change make the game more exciting, or would it lead to more frustration? Would it devalue the traditional field goal, or elevate it to a new level of strategy? And most importantly, would fans embrace it, or would it feel like a gimmick?
What do you think? Would you welcome this rule change, or is it a step too far? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—agree or disagree, the future of NFL kicking could depend on it!
