Didn't know the NFL was considering this rule change. Tedd Ginn Jr. would have benefited pretty well possibly, Devin Hester definitely would have. I am glad they did NOT pass it. Here's the link: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/League-rejects-Devin-Hester-Rule-on-punts?urn=nfl,74820
I've always enjoyed special teams because it's a high-strategy, high-risk, high-reward part of the game. While the offensive and defensive parts of the game are more of a chess match, with setups in the first and second quarter paying off in the third and fourth quarter of games, special teams instead focuses on instant results - either via a blocked kick, punt return, or other momentum-turning play. I also believe that special teams allow for coaches to really get creative - or in this case - highly evasive. To me, the punt out of bounds on special teams is akin to an intentional walk in baseball. Both put the offense in good positions, but they don't allow the instant offense that may have otherwise happened had you not done it. I think this is a good move by the NFL to not mess with what has been working.
Kicking the ball out of bounds is usually strategy to place it inside the 20... Sure it'd be a bit more entertaining, but I wouldn't be a fan of the rule.
I'm glad they didn't pass it either. You may as well not have a punter. Just hace the QB throw one up for a pick and hope your WRs can bring him down in his tracks!!
Is it me or is the Coffin corner punt used less and less? Seems that Punters arnt quite as adapt at kicking it inside the 20 anymore.
I don't know if it's a knock on quality punters, but I do think that special teams coaches have developed more sophisticated punt block packages, which has reduced the amount of time that punters have to get their kicks off. Less time to kick equates to a lower net punting average.
But in reality, the problem with Hester breaking off consistent long returns, lie as much with team's inabilities to cover the kick as it is with Hester's abilities. It all starts with the punter, himself, with the hand time and then the gunners. If coverage is good/perfect, then 2 things usually happens. He either fair catches the ball or tackled immediately after catching it. When He has 5 yds or more space when catching the ball, it usually translates into positive ydg.
While a rule like this has some merits, like making the game potentially more exciting with the additional chances to run punts back, I don't like it.... This is not a very practical rule. It could really slow the game down even more than now (of course, it'll give the networks more chances for commercials). You'd have to look at it from the receiving team as well as the punting team's view...Not being able to control a punt returner in certain circumstances is ludicrous...(almost as ludicrous as the change in the push-out rule). It also would be a disadvantage to a team in windy conditions that elects to punt rather than kick a field goal inside a certain LOS. It's also a lot more difficult to control punts because of the spin of the ball as it comes off the foot. I suppose that could be worked on, but I just don't see any good to come out of that rule.