Jason Chaffetz Proposes 4 NFL Rule Changes After 69-Yard Kick Exposes Predictable Special Teams
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 13
Jason Chaffetz Proposes 4 NFL Rule Changes After 69-Yard Kick Exposes Predictable Special Teams
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 13
Summary
Four proposals from former BYU kicker and ex-congressman Jason Chaffetz would overhaul special teams and overtime, including adding a top crossbar to field goals and ending sudden-death extra periods.
A 69-yard preseason field goal by Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker anchors his case that NFL kicking has become too automatic, with extra points and many mid-range field goals now routine and low-drama.
Two kickoff changes form the centerpiece: Chaffetz would replace the opening coin toss with a sprint to a loose ball at midfield and scrap post-score kickoffs for a 4th-and-20-style possession play from the 35.
He argues the package would inject more strategy, speed and uncertainty, and says the NFL should test the ideas across all three preseason games next year.