In what seems like a wild prediction made several months back, the idea that half of the league would be purposely kicking the ball out of the end zone and giving up the 30-yard line by the trade deadline was discussed by some coaches. The notion of this potential strategy raised eyebrows and got people talking about the possibilities that could arise from such a tactic.
Fast forward to today, where San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that he had never even considered such a strategy. When asked about the concept, Shanahan admitted, “It’s a hell of an idea. I haven’t thought of that. Yeah, we’re all talking about that and it looks like it’ll make a lot of sense once the season starts. But, this was our first week with us doing it. It was our first week really getting more teams, besides the Hall of Fame game and stuff, to evaluate it.”
Shanahan went on to explain that while the idea has its advantages, there are also risks involved. He emphasized the importance of evaluating the team’s strengths and weaknesses before committing to such a strategy. This cautious approach seems to be a common theme among coaches as they navigate uncharted territory.
As the season approaches, some coaches may opt to wait and see how others implement this new approach. The fear of being the guinea pig for a potentially game-changing tactic looms large, as one misstep could cost a team a shot at the playoffs and a coach their job.
But there’s another layer to this narrative. With calls for the touchback point to be moved to the 35-yard line before Week 1 gaining traction, some coaches may be playing it safe by not revealing their hand too early. By keeping quiet and going along with the current rules, they hope to prevent the owners from realizing the implications of teams consistently kicking the ball out of the end zone.
Reports indicate that owners are set to convene on August 27 to discuss private equity rules, which could be their final opportunity to secure enough votes to change the touchback rule for the 2024 regular season. The stakes are high, and the chess game being played behind the scenes adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming NFL season. initWithStyleFootball fans, coaches, and players alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and whether any bold strategies emerge as a result. One thing is for certain – the excitement and unpredictability of American football never fail to keep us on the edge of our seats.