[FarmBoy]

I suppose the ideal punt, without considering game situations, would be landing just out of bounds, which would mean no return and would also maximize distance.  That's risky, though, because you then have to depend on the official's judgment of where the punt went out of bounds, which isn't always particularly accurate. 

I would propose the ideal punt play is to have it land in bounds, thereby maximizing the number of gross yards traveled with an immediate tackle so not gain by the returner or a fair catch. Kicking out of bounds has to be done at an angle, thereby giving up gross yards of distance.

Kicking out of bounds may result in a shorter net/gross performance, but it take variability out of the equation. Takes me back to the BG when Deltha O'Neal destroyed us on every return he had. It was better to kick of of bounds, even on kick offs, than to deal with the chance he would take it to the house.

So, do you trust your special teams coverage or not?

[FarmBoy]

I suppose the ideal punt, without considering game situations, would be landing just out of bounds, which would mean no return and would also maximize distance.  That's risky, though, because you then have to depend on the official's judgment of where the punt went out of bounds, which isn't always particularly accurate. 

I would propose the ideal punt play is to have it land in bounds, thereby maximizing the number of gross yards traveled with an immediate tackle so not gain by the returner or a fair catch. Kicking out of bounds has to be done at an angle, thereby giving up gross yards of distance.

Kicking out of bounds may result in a shorter net/gross performance, but it take variability out of the equation. Takes me back to the BG when Deltha O'Neal destroyed us on every return he had. It was better to kick of of bounds, even on kick offs, than to deal with the chance he would take it to the house.

So, do you trust your special teams coverage or not?