What about at the end of a game? Imagine. A scenario where we are down by three points or less, 10 seconds on the clock and a fair catch at our own 45 yard line and no timeouts. Do you try to let Sturgis free kick it in right then and there? It's an interesting thought to say the least.
Since this has been in effect for decades, I would certainly hope that all the coaches in the NFL are aware of this rule. What surprises me is that so many people on here have never heard of this rule.
Mason Crosby of the Packers also actually tried a free kick a few years ago against Detroit. His attempt was from 69 yards and was just short (though much closer than Neil Rackers' attempt). Granted, Crosby's going into the wind at Lambeau Field. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anHdlA-l7Io
I am one of the resident "old guys" and unless the dementia is kicking in, I remember Shula using this in the late 70's maybe early 80's. It was when the goal posts were still on the goal line and not ten yards back. Again memory tells me Curt Gowdy was calling the game and the opposing coach was going crazy because Shula, on the competition committee and with the rules memorized, remembered the gimmick and the other guy had not. Referees conferred for a long time. Funny thing is, I remember the incident but do not remember whether the kick was good or not. Until the other day I had not seen the play again since the goal posts got moved back. With this era of the more powerful kickers, it should come up occasionally.
Rugby kickers regularly make penalty goals - their equivalent to field goals - at ranges of 60-65 meters, which is up to 70 yards. From a kicking perspective is very similar to the kicks would be made in this situation. Different type of ball makes a difference, plus rugby kickers are allowed a non elevated tee to hold the ball steady. Having said that the addition of the tee hasn't added to the range, just made long range goals more reliable. Also what happens if the kick is missed? would it be returnable like a punt?
It is my favorite font. The most readable. I wish it were the default font throughout the internet. Arial is crap.
I vaguely remember a Bears game in the early 70s time frame, where it seems like the tried a free kick and won the game on it, in the waning seconds.
you don't remember our game vs the Broncos where we did it? or did I dream that? that was IIRC in the late 90s under Jimmy Johnson
I do not recall that. We never had a close score against the Broncos under Jimmy. We beat them 31-21 in 1998 and lost to them in the playoffs that year, 38-3. The next year in week 1, we beat them 38-21.
