I hope the NFL never adopts the 4th & 12 to replace onside kicks.

NatureBoy said

I think it needs to be harder. Maybe a 4th and 20. But it’s the play that should replace the kickoff. That’s how the game starts, that’s how they line up after scores and to start the 2nd half. Teams can run it anyway they want. Punt, lineup to attempt to convert, etc. NFL kick offs stink and on sides kicks aren’t much better. This new wrinkle would be a welcome addition to put some life back in the “kick off” plays.

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To me, the kickoff is viewed more ceremonially than as a factor in the game - but to me it’s ingratiated into to lore of the game.

Kick off!

That’s when the game starts. That’s when it’s real.

I think that’s how the NFL wants it. They know that the term “kickoff” is more important than the act itself.

There are other things to consider as well that make the kickoff special. Despite the rules limiting blocking schemes and rocket-legged kickers who can boot it into the stands - there is still some things that can happen to impact the game.

Kick out of bounds and your opponent has it at the 40. We’ve all seen that happen - heck, one of Brady’s rings can be partially attributed to a Jon Kasay kick out of bounds.

But I also like what some of the coaches are doing to make the kickoff less of a guaranteed touchback. I’m seeing more pop-up kicks that land between the 10-5 yard lines that force the returner to make a flash decision to bring it out or let it fly overhead. It’s at least a little bit of uncertainty.

I like the kickoff.