Broncos kicker Connor Barth was perfect from both the 20-yard PAT distance and from 30-39 yards out last season. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
In an attempt to make point-after-touchdown attempts more exciting, NFL owners voted on Tuesday to move extra-point kicks to the 15-yard line from the 2-yard line, extending the 20-yard extra points to 33-yarders. Two-point conversion attempts will remain at the 2-yard line, but defenses will be allowed to score by blocking a PAT or intercepting a two-point conversion and running it back.
Connor Barth, who signed with the Broncos last season and was perfect from both the 20-yard PAT distance and from 30-39 yards out, , as he would have rather seen the owners narrow the goal posts before changing the extra-point distance.
He’s not the only player who dislikes the changes though. Many NFL players, kickers included, took to Twitter on Tuesday to weigh in on the new rules:
I thought NFL was concerned about player safety? Those 60 plays will be much more dangerous for OLine now.
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely)
What did the NFL really accomplish? It’s still nearly automatic (90%vs 99%) but greater risk of injury to Oline
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely)
Omg a rule that the defense can benefit from thank you Lord
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman)
I’m glad the NFL moved back extra points….now people can’t complain when I go for 2 on Madden haha
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR)
My job doesn’t change w/the new PAT rule so it doesn’t bother me… but what happens when Ks start making these at 97-99%? Move on back again?
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz)
Should have changed the extra point to a 50 yard field goal. That would have been more interesting .
— Graham Gano (@GrahamGano)
Makes kickers more important now, which is good. We need all the emotional help we can get!
— Josh Scobee (@JoshScobee10)
Yes it will but kicking is kicking
— Josh Scobee (@JoshScobee10)
Look at the percentage of made FG’s from 31-33 yards, then look at putts made at the same rate of conversion
— Josh Scobee (@JoshScobee10)
