In order to reduce the ever-improving hit rate of kickers, the NFL is probably considering changing the rules. Will the distance between the goal posts be reduced?
To curb the increasing accuracy of kickers in the NFL, the league may be considering a rule change, according to The Athletic.
Accordingly, there are rumors that the goal posts could possibly be positioned closer together in the future, so that the goal for field goals is correspondingly smaller.
However, it is unlikely that the dimensions of the goal posts will change in the next two years. However, if the current trend of high hit rates continues, implementation is conceivable.
In any case, the statistics confirm that kickers in the NFL are getting better and more accurate. According to the report, 77 field goals have already been made this season from a distance of at least 50 yards.
This high number is a historic record in the NFL at this point in the season. Three field goals were scored from at least 60 yards in the 2024 season – in the previous three seasons combined there were only twelve from this long distance.
A total of 339 field goals have been made so far in the 2024 season, just three fewer than at the same time last year when a new NFL record was set with 342 field goals.
Although kickers are becoming more and more accurate in terms of statistics, not all NFL coaches would welcome a change in the dimensions of the goal posts.
“It makes no sense to punish the improved accuracy of these kickers. This reminds me of the US Open, where they move the fairways so that they are harder to hit. They want to make it the toughest tournament of the year. The golfers can do theirs “The kickers? Well, they only have one foot. We have to recognize their outstanding achievements and not punish them for their improvements,” an NFL coach was quoted anonymously by “The Athletic.”
