[BostonCard]

A buddy and I had a running bet on whether Ukropina would be able to get his kicks into the end zone. At the time it seemed like he would never get it that far. Looking at these numbers though, it seems like it wasn't that big of an impact. Thanks for the great info.

It is worth noting that I think Pete Alamar's strategy is to try to avoid having the other team take a touchback.  The rule changes instituted last year (kickoff from the 35 yard line instead of the 30) and touchbacks starting at the 25 instead of the 20, mean that the risk/benefit ratio of taking your chances with a return favor the coverage team more than they used to.  Prior to two years ago, if you had a kicker who could routinely put it in the end zone, it was worth it since the opponent got at the 20 and returnable kicks were frequently taken out beyond the 20 (and occasionally busted out for a big play).  Now, with our coverage team starting at the 35, we can usually down a returned inside the 25 and wind up leaving the opponent in a worse position than if they simply took a knee.

The only exception is a kickoff with the lead late in the game, when it makes sense to avoid the possibility of a big return.

BC

[BostonCard]

A buddy and I had a running bet on whether Ukropina would be able to get his kicks into the end zone. At the time it seemed like he would never get it that far. Looking at these numbers though, it seems like it wasn't that big of an impact. Thanks for the great info.

It is worth noting that I think Pete Alamar's strategy is to try to avoid having the other team take a touchback.  The rule changes instituted last year (kickoff from the 35 yard line instead of the 30) and touchbacks starting at the 25 instead of the 20, mean that the risk/benefit ratio of taking your chances with a return favor the coverage team more than they used to.  Prior to two years ago, if you had a kicker who could routinely put it in the end zone, it was worth it since the opponent got at the 20 and returnable kicks were frequently taken out beyond the 20 (and occasionally busted out for a big play).  Now, with our coverage team starting at the 35, we can usually down a returned inside the 25 and wind up leaving the opponent in a worse position than if they simply took a knee.

The only exception is a kickoff with the lead late in the game, when it makes sense to avoid the possibility of a big return.

BC