In an effort to make the most boring part of the game more exciting, NFL owners have agreed a proposal from the Competition Committee that the point after touchdowns get a facelift.
Starting this season, teams will now kick for the extra point from the 15-yard line instead of at the 2-yard line. The ball will still be placed at the two-yard line for two-point conversions.
However, if there is any scenario in which the offence bungles the ball or there is an interception during the two-point conversion attempt, the defense could run it all the way back to the opposite touchdown to get two points.
According to NFL.com, NFL Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino said that teams can also change their minds if a penalty is called.
The rule was passed with a 30-2 vote. The Patriots had proposed the same idea, but didn’t want the defense to be able to score on the play. The Eagles suggested that the ball be put at the 1 for two-point conversions. Both those plans were rejected.
Even though the kicks will be from farther back, the distance shouldn’t be a major challenge for NFL kickers. As ESPN notes, only two field goal attempts from at least 33 yards were missed last season. Plus, 99 percent of all PATs kicked last season were good, making the PAT kick almost automatic.
The rule was passed for just a season, so if kickers suddenly start missing 15-yard kicks, this rule probably won’t last long.