The NFL's dynamic game evolved recently with a rule change that breathed new life into special teams—the two-point conversion option replaced the traditional extra point kick after a touchdown. However, there's another layer to this strategy—an underutilized gem—returning a blocked extra point, a high-risk, high-reward play that can dramatically alter the course of a game.
Since the 2015 rule change, the NFL has seen a gradual increase in the return of blocked extra points, making it a viable weapon for special teams units. But what constitutes a successful return, and what strategies do teams employ to master this craft?
Understanding Blocked Extra Points
A blocked extra point occurs when the kicking team's protection fails to prevent the return team from blocking the kick. It's a critical turning point, giving the return team a opportunity to score two points instead of allowing the kicking team a single point.
Once the ball is free,mounted by a relentless army of blockers and tacklers, a return man musthave the speed, agility, and football IQ to navigate the chaos and bring it to theend zone. It's a thrilling dance between power and finesse.
The Art of the Block
The first step in returning a blocked extra point is expertly blocking the kick. It requires precise timing, technique, and a bit of luck. Teams often employ a spy—a linebacker or safety— to track the holder and disrupt the kick once the ball is snapped.
Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic credits the Baltimore Ravens' success in this area to their aggressive defensive philosophy. "They're always looking for ways to disrupt the opposition's plans," he says, "And that aggressive mentality spills over to special teams."
The Return: Speed, Vision, and Heart
Once the ball is loose, it's every returner's dream come to life. He must catch the ball, secure it, and evade a flurry of tacklers. It's not just about raw speed; it's about making quick, decisive cuts, using exceptional vision, and possessing an indomitable will to score.
Aiennent're more thrilling than Pernell McPhee's strip-sack of a Pakistan/) extra pointattempt in 2016—the Baltimore Ravens blocking back turned to receiver, snagging theball, and racing 69 yards for the skull-the game's most memorable blocked extra point return.
Thedafewet Safety Net
The two-point conversion has mitigated the sting of a blocked extra point. After all, even if the return fails, the kicking team can still attempt a two-point conversion and potentially tie the game. But a successful return is a game-changer.
The pressure is immense, but the potential reward is tremendous. It's a moment of high drama, testing a player's heart, skill, and courage. And that's what makes a returned blocked extra point such a cherished and thrilling play in the NFL.
Defense Begets Offense
A successful blocked extra point return often starts with a well-timed blitz or a keen-eyed spy. Agressive defenses can bait an offense into attempting an extra point, setting up the perfect scenario for a block.
Teams like the Seattle Seahawks, led by their shutdown defense, have capitalized on this strategy. Their aggressive approach on defense translates to relentless pressure on offense, leading to tipped passes and missed kicks.
The Risk-Reward Balance
Blocked extra points are a high-risk, high-reward play. They can turn a potential seven-point swing into a 14-point swing. But coaches must weigh the risk of giving up a touchdown to set up the block against the potential reward of scoring two points of their own.
Special teams coaches must decipher when to gamble and when to play it safe. It's a delicate dance between aggressiveness and pragmatism, one that the best coaches and their teams execute with surgical precision.
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the NFL, every play counts. A blocked extra point return is a rare gem, a play that can turn the tide of a game. It's a testament to the skill, heart, and strategic prowess of the players and coaches who make it happen. And whether you're a fan of the big hit, the acrobatic catch, or the clutch kick, there's something undeniably exciting about seeing a blocked extra point return - a moment of pure, unadulterated chaos, a lightning strike in the otherwise predictable ballet of football.