We’ve heard about the rule change that moves extra points back beginning during the 2015 NFL season, but there are other changes being made to the procedure following a touchdown that are expanding teams’ options for scoring. One such rule change describes a play that might not ever happen in the National Football League.
Aside from the standard extra point attempt from a kick, teams can still option to go for two by challenging the defense to stop them on one play from the two yard line. However, even if that play fails, the offensive team can still score one point if an extremely rare series of events happens.
The folks over at Pro Football Talk explained how the offense can score one point on a two-point conversion attempt. And it is something that has never happened in the history of the NFL. Here is what they said:
"“If the defense gets the ball in the field of play on a conversion attempt, and then a defensive player takes the ball into his own end zone and is tackled, the result will be a one-point safety: The offensive team will get one point.”"
Aug 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants safety Tyler Sash (39) signals a safety as referee Ron Winter (14) also signals a safety against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Giants won the game, 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
So, basically, the safety rule will be in effect, but it will only be worth one point instead of two if the defense gets caught moving the ball backwards into the endzone following a change in possession during the play. The NFL had to put this rule had to go into effect since defenses can now score two points if they are able to take the ball away during the two point conversion attempt and return it into the opposing team’s endzone.
While fans are likely to not ever see one point scored in this fashion in the NFL, it’s an interesting addition to a game that has already seen its fair share of complicated rules and confusing plays be added to the fray. What do you guys think of this rule change? Will it help the NFL for the better or will it describe a situation that will never happen in the league? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews
More from The Viking Age
- 6 biggest draft steals in Minnesota Vikings history
- Former Vikings first-round pick could reportedly return to NFC North
- Bears analyst has extremely embarrassing Kirk Cousins take
- 6 Vikings who (maybe) won’t make the 53-man roster in 2023
- Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022