With the 2024 NFL season nearing the halfway point, teams have begun to separate and establish themselves as true contenders for the Super Bowl.
Entering the regular season, there was a lot of anticipation as the league rolled out a new set of rules that overhauled kickoffs and special teams.
To prevent player injuries and encourage more kickoff returns, the NFL changed the rules to mimic those of the UFL.
So far, there has been an uptick in special teams plays, but it hasn’t made the dramatic impact the league was hoping for.
Every year, the league’s Competition Committee evaluates the current set of rules and considers proposals to change the game.
This year, it sounds like the committee will be considering a major change in regard to the goalposts.
“NFL executive Jeff Milner says the Competition Committee will look at possibly narrowing goalposts after the season. Nothing imminent. The committee considers many ideas, rule changes and proposals,” Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press wrote on X.
NFL executive Jeff Milner says the Competition Committee will look at possibly narrowing goal posts after the season. Nothing imminent. The committee considers many ideas, rule changes and proposals.
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) October 17, 2024
Narrowing the goalposts will make it more difficult for kickers to succeed from long distances, thus placing a premium on field goal attempts and extra points.
We’ve already seen several kickers be able to convert from 60 yards and beyond, so this could limit those opportunities.
NFL offenses also have been more aggressive going for it on fourth down, and this change could encourage teams to go for it even more knowing that their odds of hitting a field goal would be slightly lower.
