Passing way down so far, but kickers crushing it

[msgkings322]

Saw these tidbits:

In week 1 all 32 teams averaged 188.3 passing yards, the lowest since week 15 of the 2007 season.

Also, 21 FGs of over 50 yards were made week 1, 6 more than any other week in NFL history.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

Saw these tidbits:

In week 1 all 32 teams averaged 188.3 passing yards, the lowest since week 15 of the 2007 season.

Also, 21 FGs of over 50 yards were made week 1, 6 more than any other week in NFL history.

Man, I dunno if this is a correlation but in the Seattle/New England game both punters were bombing the hell out of their kicks and there was ZERO question on the field goals. And both placekickers were hitting it into the endzone (that's not really a surprise as they were mostly doing it over the last few years).

 

[msgkings322]

Man, I dunno if this is a correlation but in the Seattle/New England game both punters were bombing the hell out of their kicks and there was ZERO question on the field goals. And both placekickers were hitting it into the endzone (that's not really a surprise as they were mostly doing it over the last few years).

Yeah kickers and punters have optimized their craft over time, one reason they have been changing kickoff rules and also a reason why they moved the extra point kick back

 

[Sgt Brutus]

They are blaming less practice in the offseason for the poor offenses. I am sure that plays a part, but hard to really measure how much.

I think the league has a lack of great qb problem too.

On the broadcast last night they mentioned how defenses are really cutting out the big plays, playing two deep at all times. So that could factor into teams moving the ball but having to settle for field goals.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

DC's are scheming to prevent the deep shots and keep everything in front of them and tackle. There's a few deep shots that happen but not without a very good hard play action or a busted assignment. It's also early in the season so defenses way ahead of the offenses other than the Saints so far, lol. Also Oline play is steadily going down. The lack of talent and coaching for that position group and the influx of superior pass rushers make it almost impossible for most QBs to scan the field and let plays develop. Most big plays in the passing game are yac plays and often have a missed tackle or two.
As for kickers, they are just booming balls from everywhere, it seems. I saw a suggestion on a pod recently. Bring the goalposts in a couple of yards to make it more difficult. Kinda has some merit. They have made changes throughout league history to make it more competitive but the goalposts have stayed the same distance since the league started. Food for thought, at least.

 

[PDay8810]

they moved the GP's to the back of the end zone early 70's. Those crossing routes back in the day were like a big tree in the field of a neighborhood game.

 

[Tapey]

Kickers and Punters are juicing this is the only reasonable conclusion that I can come to

 

[nebearsfan70]

Kickers are changing the game in a good way. I remember growing up in the '70s, if a kicker hit from further than 45 yards it made the highlight reels.

 

[nebearsfan70]

they moved the GP's to the back of the end zone early 70's. Those crossing routes back in the day were like a big tree in the field of a neighborhood game.

I remember seeing receivers getting leveled by the goal post. I'm glad they moved them.

 

[PDay8810]

I remember seeing receivers getting leveled by the goal post. I'm glad they moved them.

first they had two posts, then one post and then for the good of the game...moved the goal to the back of the end zone after MUCH consideration.

 

[PolarVortex]

Saw these tidbits:

In week 1 all 32 teams averaged 188.3 passing yards, the lowest since week 15 of the 2007 season.

Also, 21 FGs of over 50 yards were made week 1, 6 more than any other week in NFL history.

Like I've heard a couple of play-by-play guys say recently: 50 yarders are just chip shots now.
The irony is that suddenly Justin Tucker has gone from automatic to almost worthless when the kick is 50+ yards.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Personally I have no problem with 60yd FGs. Let them kick. It puts new excitement into the game. Punters and rule changes have for the most part taken away the excitement of returns.

As the weather changes HCs will have bigger decisions on whether to attempt those long FGs. FG % will definitely drop. A miss from 60 gives the opposition great field position.

 

[Edonidd]

 

[Battlelyon]

Speaking of kickers.

Those unlucky Los Angeles Rams. Not only have they had the fastest field goal in NFL history. With a blazing speed of two seconds but also the slowest field goal in NFL history against them. Which took a whopping seven seconds.

Fastest was Sunday
Slowest is below