The NFL is considering reviving the onside kick, a play that’s been on life support since its success rate declined in 2018. Dan Campbell’s desperation attempt with the Detroit Lions has sparked a debate about bringing back surprise onside kicks. But can it be done without changing the kickoff rules?
The NFL was already planning to explore onside kicks before Campbell’s ill-fated try, which resulted in Buffalo’s Mack Hollins recovering the kick and scoring on the next play. The Bills’ 48-42 victory was a “potential Super Bowl preview.” Campbell attempted the onside kick due to his team’s struggling defense, which couldn’t stop Josh Allen and the Bills.
The league is looking into options to revive the onside kick, with NFL executive Troy Vincent saying it has become “a dead play.” The competition committee must consider ways to bring back the element of surprise. However, changing the kickoff rules could be necessary to revive the onside kick.
One potential solution is giving teams an opportunity to run one play to gain a certain number of yards to keep possession. This radical idea may be the best solution, as it’s difficult to revise the onside kick without changing the overall formation all kickoffs. The Eagles proposed an alternative that would’ve let teams try a fourth-and-20 from their own 20, but club owners rejected it.
Vincent emphasized the need for creativity and exploring new ideas. “I think our coaches can be creative enough to come up with a good solid, competitive play,” he said. Campbell’s decision has sparked a debate about reviving onside kicks. The fourth-and-long alternative may not be as exciting, but it’s a better option than the current onside kick.
The Detroit Lions’ struggling defense is a major problem, with key injuries to Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis III potentially impacting their season. Campbell believes his team can be better, but acknowledges that they need to be more urgent. The NFL’s consideration of reviving onside kicks may bring some excitement back into the game, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/campbell-lions-onside-kick-allen-bills-aad163d5edb6c548cbd39fcba66a2c0e