Football is a game of strategy, skill, and split-second decisions, and every play counts. Among the most critical moments in a football game is the post-touchdown attempt, where a team has the opportunity to add extra points to their score. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, understanding the nuances of post-touchdown attempts can deepen your appreciation of football and its intricacies.
This guide will explore what happens after a touchdown, the options available to teams, and how these decisions can influence the outcome of a game. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of one of the most exciting aspects of football.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Post-Touchdown Attempts
- Understanding the Basics
- What Happens After a Touchdown?
- The Significance of Extra Points
- The Extra Point (PAT)
- Kicking the Extra Point
- The Mechanics of the Kick
- Factors Affecting Success
- The Two-Point Conversion
- When to Attempt a Two-Point Conversion
- Common Two-Point Conversion Plays
- Risk vs. Reward
- Strategic Considerations
- Game Situations and Decision-Making
- Analyzing Opponent’s Defense
- Historical Trends in Post-Touchdown Attempts
- Notable Post-Touchdown Moments in NFL History
- Iconic Extra Points
- Memorable Two-Point Conversions
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction to Post-Touchdown Attempts
Scoring a touchdown is a significant achievement in football, but the action doesn’t stop there. After a touchdown, teams have the option to attempt an extra point or a two-point conversion. These decisions can be the difference between a win and a loss, especially in close games. Understanding how teams choose between these options and the strategies involved is crucial for any football fan.
Understanding the Basics
What Happens After a Touchdown?
After a team scores a touchdown, which is worth six points, they have two options to attempt to add to their score:
- The Extra Point (PAT – Point After Touchdown): A relatively easy kick through the uprights from the 15-yard line that adds one point to the touchdown score.
- The Two-Point Conversion: A more challenging play from the two-yard line, where the team tries to score another touchdown worth two additional points.
The Significance of Extra Points
Extra points might seem minor, but they can significantly impact the game. The decision to go for one point or two can change based on the score, time remaining, and the team’s confidence in their offense or kicker.
The Extra Point (PAT)
Kicking the Extra Point
The extra point is the most common choice following a touchdown. It involves kicking the football through the goalposts from the 15-yard line, which, since 2015, has made it a 33-yard attempt. This change was introduced to increase the difficulty and make the extra point less of a sure thing.
The Mechanics of the Kick
The kick involves three critical players: the snapper, the holder, and the kicker. The snapper delivers the ball to the holder, who places it on the ground for the kicker to attempt a clean kick through the uprights. Timing, precision, and coordination are crucial for success.
Factors Affecting Success
Several factors can influence the success of an extra point, including:
- Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, or snow can make the kick more difficult.
- Field Conditions: A wet or muddy field can affect the holder’s ability to set the ball correctly.
- Defensive Pressure: The opposing team can attempt to block the kick, adding to the challenge.
The Two-Point Conversion
When to Attempt a Two-Point Conversion
Teams might opt for a two-point conversion in several situations:
- Late in the Game: When a team needs two points to tie or take the lead, especially in the closing minutes.
- Aggressive Playcalling: Coaches known for risk-taking might opt for the two points to build momentum or keep the opponent on their toes.
- Score Strategy: If a team’s lead is tenuous, they might try to extend it by two points instead of one.
Common Two-Point Conversion Plays
Two-point conversions often involve high-stakes plays, such as:
- Power Running Plays: A direct run through the defense, relying on the strength and determination of the offensive line and running back.
- Pass Plays: Quick, short passes, often to a tight end or receiver running a slant or fade route.
- Option Plays: The quarterback decides on the fly whether to hand off the ball, keep it, or pass, based on the defense’s alignment.
Risk vs. Reward
The two-point conversion is inherently riskier than the extra point, with a lower success rate. However, the potential to add two points instead of one can be crucial, especially in close games. Coaches must weigh the odds and decide whether the potential reward justifies the risk.
Strategic Considerations
Game Situations and Decision-Making
Deciding whether to go for one or two points after a touchdown often depends on the game situation:
- Score Differential: The current score and what it would be after the extra points are considered.
- Time Remaining: How much time is left in the game can influence the decision, with more aggressive plays often coming late in the game.
- Team Strengths: A team with a strong running game or a reliable kicker may favor different approaches.
Analyzing Opponent’s Defense
Understanding the opponent’s defensive tendencies is critical. Teams may opt for a two-point conversion if they see a weakness in the defense or believe they have a play that can exploit the opponent’s scheme.
Historical Trends in Post-Touchdown Attempts
Historically, teams have leaned heavily on the extra point due to its higher success rate. However, recent trends show an increase in two-point attempts as teams become more aggressive and analytical in their playcalling.
Notable Post-Touchdown Moments in NFL History
Iconic Extra Points
- Tom Dempsey’s Game-Winner: The legendary kicker with a club foot made an improbable 63-yard field goal for a game-winner in 1970, showcasing the impact of special teams in crucial moments.
- Historic Misses: Games have been won and lost on the foot of a kicker, with missed extra points leading to heartbreaking losses.
Memorable Two-Point Conversions
- The “Philly Special”: In Super Bowl LII, the Eagles’ gutsy two-point conversion play involving a trick pass to the quarterback went down in history as one of the most memorable and successful attempts.
Conclusion
Understanding the strategy behind post-touchdown attempts adds another layer to the excitement of football. Whether it’s the relatively straightforward extra point or the more daring two-point conversion, these decisions can swing the momentum of a game and often become the defining moments that fans remember for years. The next time you watch a game, keep an eye on these post-touchdown attempts, and appreciate the skill, strategy, and sometimes, the sheer audacity behind them.
FAQs
1. How often do teams attempt a two-point conversion?
The frequency of two-point conversions varies by team and situation. Generally, they are less common than extra points but have increased in use in recent years as teams become more aggressive in their playcalling.
2. What is the success rate of two-point conversions?
On average, the success rate for two-point conversions in the NFL hovers around 48-50%. However, this can vary depending on the team’s strategy and the opponent’s defense.
3. Why was the extra point distance changed in 2015?
The NFL moved the extra point attempt to the 15-yard line to make the play more challenging and less automatic. This change has increased the pressure on kickers and added more excitement to the post-touchdown phase.
4. Can a team attempt a two-point conversion after every touchdown?
Yes, a team can choose to attempt a two-point conversion after any touchdown. However, they typically reserve this for specific situations where gaining two points is strategically advantageous.
5. Are there any famous failed two-point conversions?
Yes, there have been many high-profile failed two-point conversions, often remembered for their high stakes. These include plays where the defense made a crucial stop to preserve a win or where the offensive team failed to execute the play as planned.
