NFL makes two key revisions to proposed 4th-and-15 alternative to an onside kick
While quarterback Patrick Mahomes and many Chiefs fans seemed to embrace a change to the onside-kick rule as proposed by the Philadelphia Eagles, others expressed concern.
As originally presented, a team could inform the referee twice a game that it would try a fourth-and-15 play from its own 25-yard line in lieu of kicking off. If the team got the first down, the team would retain possession. If stopped short, the opponent would get the ball where the play ends.
That plan sounded great for those who would love for Mahomes and the Chiefs try it out. As Chiefs coach Andy Reid said in a video call with reporters: “To keep the integrity of the game, you like (the onside kick) part of it. On the other hand, if it does pass, we’ve got a guy who can do fourth and 15s.”
Still, some NFL fans saw the potential for the new rule being abused by teams.
On Wednesday, multiple outlets reported the NFL had given teams a revised look at the rule that included two major changes:
- Teams can’t use the play in overtime
- It will be an untimed down
Some fans worried that a team that scored a late touchdown could simply run out the clock by using the onside-kick option. Take a snap, backpedal and then throw the ball high in the air down the sideline, as Mahomes did at the end of Super Bowl LIV. That’s been rectified with the new language of the rule.
Others were concerned a team would kick a field goal in overtime, convert the fourth-and-15 play and essentially win a game. That also is no longer an issue.
However, one potential sticking point remains. What if the defending team is called for a penalty that is less than 15 yards but carries an automatic first down? Would the offensive team keep the ball for, say, a hands-to-the face call?
NFL owners will vote on the amended onside kick rule on Thursday via a video conference call. Here is the language of the rule that was shared with teams (via Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network):
