The NFL rules say a scrimmage kick, what we usually see as a punt on 4th down, can be either a punt, drop kick, or place kick. My question is why is it always a punt? Why do we never see non-field goal place kicks on 4th downs?
The NFL rules say a scrimmage kick, what we usually see as a punt on 4th down, can be either a punt, drop kick, or place kick. My question is why is it always a punt? Why do we never see non-field goal place kicks on 4th downs?
In Elway We Trust
I never realized that. I guess because having a ball holder would mean one less guy in coverage down field? Maybe they worry about out kicking coverage?
Does a place kick that isn't fielded result in the other team receiving the ball where it lands, or from where it is kicked? I think it's from where it is kicked, so there's another reason why.
It's where it lands. It's treated just like a punt. Where it is kicked only matters for field goal attempts.
This website explains it in greater detail, I checked the NFL rules manual and it lists place kick and drop kick as legal scrimmage kicks.
http://www.johntreed.com/placekickpunt.html
In Elway We Trust
I would assume so. Maybe the NFL should make a logical rule change and just say punts are are the only scrimmage kick.
In Elway We Trust
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