NFL special teams

[Penguin]

In the NFL these days, teams don't even bother trying to block punts anymore. Teams almost always have a return on. Blocking a punt can easily become a game changer. Nobody goes after the punt anymore.


What's up with that?

[yermom]

i'd say it's about percentages

[goingoneight]

Because you can't so much as fart on the punter without giving up 15 and a first down anymore.

[SoonerDood]

Rush 8 and you'll block the punt. But NFL coaches are fraidy-cats and don't want to risk a roughing call. There's your answer.

[Curly Bill]

The NFL is the stodgiest most boring crap you're gonna find, that's why.

They're also the biggest copycats you'll find, outside of college coaches, so if someone does go out and block a couple of punts one of these days, expect all of them to start trying it again.

[Penguin]

They're also the biggest copycats you'll find, outside of college coaches, so if someone does go out and block a couple of punts one of these days, expect all of them to start trying it again.


Yeah, you got that right. One team would occasionally run the Wildcat offense, now almost every team has that play in the playbook.

[Curly Bill]

Have you noticed how many teams are now running that ghey punt formation same as we are?

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Which would you rather have?

Solid return lanes, a speedy, specialized returner, and improved field position which in turn increases the chances of putting yourself in scoring position?

Or the gamble on the very slim odds that you'll manage a block when the trade-off is decreased protection for the return as well as the ease from which you could tack at a minimum 5 yards and an automatic first down for the opposing team?

They don't do it because in the pro game, it's stupid.

[Curly Bill]

I think you should be able to do both. Keep the opponent guessing and don't be so damn predictable.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

You CAN do both.

But it's stupid except in very limited circumstances. And even in those circumstances, it's pretty stupid because it's expected.

[Curly Bill]

You CAN do both.

But it's stupid except in very limited circumstances. And even in those circumstances, it's pretty stupid because it's expected.

Then do it when the other team is not expecting it. :P

[Penguin]

They should at least rush one or two. These days, you'll see a punter drop the ball and he has enough time to pick it up, do a three step windup, and then kick it.

[rawlingsHOH]

They feel professionals will not allow the protection breakdown neccessary to get a block.

The long snappers are also nearly automatic.