For some time now, the NFL has considered amending the rules regarding the extra point.
During this years Pro Bowl we saw the goal posts narrowed from 18 feet to 14 feet and extra point tries pushed back to the 15 yard line. We also saw extra point tries pushed back to the 15 during some preseason games last season.
Kickers have become almost automatic from the current distance of 18 feet. In 2013 kickers made 99.6 percent of their attempts. Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowler Adam Vinatieri hasn’t missed an extra point attempt in five seasons.
The owners have already begun talking about new changes although, they haven’t made anything concrete. NFL Competition Committee co-chairman Rich McKay had this to say about the owner’s talks,
“It was a very good discussion, there was a clear sentiment that we want change this year. And the charge to us as a competition committee was to come back with a recommended proposal, do it in the next 30 days, and give everyone a chance to look at it and vote on it.”
The teams have suggested the following changes:
A team could go for two points from the 1 1/2-yard line or kick an extra point from the 15.
Eliminate the extra point altogether and just place the ball at the 2-yard line, making it a two-point play.
Narrow the goal posts.
A college-type rule in which a defense could score a touchdown on a blocked kick or interception or fumble return on a two-point conversion.
