In the exhilarating world of American football, the excitement doesn’t end when a player crosses the goal line for a touchdown. What happens next—the Post Touchdown Attempts can be just as crucial to the game’s outcome. Whether you’re new to football or a seasoned fan looking to deepen your understanding, this blog post will cover everything you need to know about post-touchdown attempts. We’ll break down the different types of attempts, their significance, and the strategies behind them. So, let’s dive in!
What is a Post Touchdown Attempt?
A post-touchdown attempt, also known as a point after touchdown (PAT) or extra point, occurs immediately after a team scores a touchdown in American football. This is a team’s opportunity to earn additional points by kicking the ball through the uprights or executing a more complex play to cross the goal line again.
The Basics
- Touchdown Value: A touchdown itself is worth 6 points.
- Post-Touchdown Attempt Value: Depending on the method, a successful post-touchdown attempt can add 1 or 2 extra points to the team’s score.
The Types of Post-Touchdown Attempts
There are primarily two types of post-touchdown attempts: the extra-point kick and the two-point conversion. Each has its own risks and rewards, and teams must choose the best option based on the game situation.
Extra Point Kick (1 Point)
The extra point kick is the most common and straightforward method of scoring additional points after a touchdown. Here’s how it works:
- Placement: The ball is placed on the 15-yard line.
- Execution: The team’s kicker attempts to kick the ball through the goalposts.
- Success Rate: This is generally a high-percentage play, with most kickers successfully converting over 90% of their attempts.
Why Teams Choose the Extra Point Kick
- Reliability: The high success rate makes this the safest option.
- Strategy: Teams often choose this method early in the game to build a steady lead without taking unnecessary risks.
Two-Point Conversion (2 Points)
The two-point conversion is a more ambitious play where the team attempts to cross the goal line again from the 2-yard line. This can be done by either running the ball or passing it.
- Placement: The ball is placed on the 2-yard line.
- Execution: The team has one chance to run or pass the ball into the end zone.
- Success Rate: The success rate is lower than the extra point kick, usually around 40-50%.
Why Teams Choose the Two-Point Conversion
- High Risk, High Reward: The potential to add 2 points instead of 1 can be crucial, especially in close games.
- Strategic Advantage: Teams trailing late in the game may opt for a two-point conversion to close the gap quickly.
- Momentum Shift: Successfully executing a two-point conversion can energize a team and its fans, potentially shifting the game’s momentum.
Strategies Behind Post-Touchdown Attempts
Choosing between an extra-point kick and a two-point conversion can be complicated. Coaches must consider various factors, such as the game situation, their team’s strengths, and the opponent’s weaknesses. Let’s explore some common scenarios.
Early in the Game
- Extra Point Kick: Teams usually opt for the extra point kick early in the game to build a solid foundation of points without taking unnecessary risks.
- Two-Point Conversion: Rarely used unless the team has an offensive strategy to exploit the opponent’s defense.
Mid-Game Decisions
- Game Flow: If a team is dominating and feels confident, they might attempt a two-point conversion to apply extra pressure on the opponent.
- Score Discrepancy: If the team is behind by a significant margin, they might go for the two-point conversion to catch up more quickly.
Late in the Game
- Desperation Mode: If a team is down by a touchdown and a field goal, a successful two-point conversion after a touchdown can tie the game, making it a critical decision.
- Avoiding Overtime: In some cases, teams may choose to go for two points to avoid the uncertainty of overtime, especially if they believe they have a specific play that can exploit the opponent’s defense.
Weather Conditions
- Wind and Rain: Adverse weather conditions can make kicking more difficult, prompting teams to consider a two-point conversion.
- Cold Weather: Teams might also lean towards a two-point attempt in cold weather games, where the ball is harder to control.
Historical Impact of Post-Touchdown Attempts
Post-touchdown attempts have played pivotal roles in some of the most memorable games in football history. Let’s look at a few iconic moments where these attempts changed the course of the game.
The “Philly Special” – Super Bowl LII
In Super Bowl LII, the Philadelphia Eagles executed a legendary two-point conversion called the “Philly Special.” This trick play involved a direct snap to a running back, who pitched the ball to a tight end and threw a touchdown pass to the quarterback. This bold call helped the Eagles secure their first Super Bowl victory and became an instant classic.
The 1994 Rule Change
Before 1994, the NFL did not allow teams to attempt two-point conversions. Introducing this rule added a new layer of strategy to the game, giving teams more options and making the final moments of close games even more thrilling.
Recent Trends
In recent years, we’ve shifted towards more aggressive play-calling, with teams increasingly opting for two-point conversions. This trend is driven by advanced analytics, which often shows that going for two points can be the mathematically better choice in certain situations. For example, the Baltimore Ravens, under head coach John Harbaugh, have been particularly aggressive, frequently opting for two-point conversions based on real-time data analysis.
Common Misconceptions About Post-Touchdown Attempts
Misconception 1: The Extra Point is Always a Safe Bet
While the extra point kick is statistically more reliable, it’s not a guaranteed point. Kickers can miss, especially under pressure or in challenging weather conditions. In recent years, the NFL moved the extra point line back to the 15-yard line, making the kick slightly more difficult and leading to a few more misses than in the past.
Misconception 2: Two-Point Conversions Are Too Risky
Though riskier, two-point conversions aren’t as rare or unsuccessful as some might think. Teams with strong offensive lines or versatile quarterbacks can capitalize on these attempts, making them a viable option in various situations. Plus, with the growing use of data analytics, more teams recognize situations where the risk is worth the potential reward.
Misconception 3: Only the Offense Matters
While the offense executes the post-touchdown attempt, the opposing team’s defense also plays a crucial role. A strong defensive line can disrupt a two-point conversion, while a weak secondary might be more vulnerable to a pass play. Therefore, teams must consider the strength of their offense and the opponent’s defense when deciding which attempt to make.
Conclusion
Post-touchdown attempts are much more than an afterthought in the grand scheme of a football game. They are strategic plays that can tip the balance in close games, shift momentum, and even make or break a championship. Whether it’s a reliable extra-point kick or a high-risk, high-reward two-point conversion, each decision carries weight and requires careful consideration by coaches and players alike.
