It’s no secret the NFL’s new extra point is no longer a gimme. But now kickers are struggling not only to hit 33-yard extra points but everywhere else on the field as well.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, there were 13 missed field goals and four missed extra points in Week 4 alone. So what’s the reason for the sudden drop in performance around the league?
Former NFL kicker Jay Feely has some excellent insight into what may be occurring.
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) October 4, 2015
This makes perfect sense. Kickers around the league are having to create new routines because of the rule change, and it’s clear they’re struggling to adapt. Furthermore, as Feely noted, there is much more pressure involved, which always impacts performance.
But is this a good thing or a bad thing?
The way extra points were so automatic before the switch, we’re going with the former. Games are supposed to be fun, and there isn’t a whole lot of fun attached to something that doesn’t involve risk or chance.
Now, it’s not a guarantee that teams can count on getting an extra point, which should lead to more interesting decisions by head coaches as we head into the winter months and weather plays more of a factor.