[raybbr]

The team then would punt the ball away or, to replace an onside kick, could go for it and, if it failed to get a first down, the opposing squad would start with great field position.

Wouldn't punting the ball be like kicking off? Is it the downfield plays they are afraid of? If so, how does punting differ?

[Publius Valerius]

“Wouldn’t punting the ball be like kicking off? Is it the downfield plays they are afraid of? If so, how does punting differ?”

The difference is that on kickoffs, players are running directly at each other from far apart and there are high speed collisions. On punts, the players begin much closer to each other and there are fewer high speed collisions and, thus, less likelihood of injury.

I’m obviously in the minority, but this doesn’t strike me as a bad idea. It seems like a pretty good balance between offensive and defense and reduces the chance of injury. I would not be surprised if the NFL goes to something like this.

[BwanaNdege]

“Wouldn’t punting the ball be like kicking off? Is it the downfield plays they are afraid of? If so, how does punting differ?”

What about interceptions of a long “bomb”?

Good Grief, people (and Charlie Brown), if you want to make the game safer, dress all the players like the Michelin Man or the Pillsbury Doughboy. Why not limit players to those who weight under 110 pounds and run the 40 in over 10 seconds. That would result in “low impact” tackles!

I guess Flag Football is the next NFL option.