Kickoffs may be closer to becoming an extinct, according to a Time Magazine report.
In a cover story this week, Time revealed that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Rich McKay, the head of the league’s competition committee discussed a proposal that would eliminate kickoff after a touchdown or field goal.
“It’s an off-the-wall idea, he told Time.” It’s different and makes you think differently. It did me.”
The alternative was conceived by Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie head coach Greg Schiano. The team that scored a touchdown or field goal would then get the ball on its own 30-yard line in a fourth and 15 situation. That team can either go for a first down or punt. If you go for it and miss, the opponent would take over with good field position, which essentially replaces a failed onside kick.
Kickoffs were moved up five yards last season, while coverage teams were required to start within five yards of the ball, in an effort to make the play safer. The Elias Sports Bureau found that 43.5 percent of kickoffs led to touchbacks in 2010, a rise of nearly 30 percent from 2010.
Also, players suffered 40 percent fewer concussions on kickoffs in 2011, McKay told ESPN The Magazine.