Extra Point Distance Changed Again For Preseason

Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a field goal during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Vikings and Packers tied 26-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It was announced today that the experiment to change the distance of extra point kicks have undergone a bit of a change since it was agreed upon at the NFL owners meetings.

It seems as though NFL teams felt that the 20 yard line as the line of scrimmage for the extra point made it a little too difficult in the eyes of several team owners.  Instead, they will move the line of scrimmage to the 15 yard line.  When you add in the 10 yards for the end zone and the approximately 7 yards between the snap and the hold, it turns out to be about a 32 yard kick.

Here is a tweet from Newsday’s Bob Glauber about an announcement that was made by NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino concerning the change:

These kicks should not be a problem for Blair Walsh this preseason, as he has exhibited a strong leg ever since he’s put on a Vikings uniform.  However, not all kickers have the power that Walsh possesses.

It seems as though the NFL can’t seem to settle on anything and want to change things before they even try them.  It was kind of disappointing that we never even got a chance to see the attempted 37 yard extra point, but I guess as fans we are just along for the ride.