Seems like the "muff" rule is one of the most sensible of rules. If one thinks about the punt return team, when the ball is in the air and the return team is setting up, the returner should have all of his ten teammates in front of him--if you are behind the returner, you're not going to be able to block anyone. With all of his teammates in front of him, any muff that is recovered by the kicking team almost has to be returned for a touchdown, since there isn't anyone from the return team between him and the goal line.
It is illegal to punt the ball out of bounds on the fly between the 15 yards lines, so you can still attempt coffin corner kicks. Until this year, you could punt it out the side of the end zone for a rouge.
Though it may be slightly more boring than in the early days, the scrimmage kick punt is still one of the wildest plays in football. It has more of of chance of something crazy to occur that most plays.
I agree, it is just that most of the time, nothing happens. Drop the fair catch and add Canada's five-yard-halo rule to add a lot of excitement to the game, since almost every punt gets returned.
Seems like the "muff" rule is one of the most sensible of rules. If one thinks about the punt return team, when the ball is in the air and the return team is setting up, the returner should have all of his ten teammates in front of him--if you are behind the returner, you're not going to be able to block anyone. With all of his teammates in front of him, any muff that is recovered by the kicking team almost has to be returned for a touchdown, since there isn't anyone from the return team between him and the goal line.
I'm okay with the muff rule on punts, but think the five-yard-halo rule would result in a lot more returned punts, which are exciting plays.
An excellent point.
Also, is there some type of rule in the CFL about punting out of bounds? I never see a punter aiming for the sidelines.
It is illegal to punt the ball out of bounds on the fly between the 15 yards lines, so you can still attempt coffin corner kicks. Until this year, you could punt it out the side of the end zone for a rouge.
Good information. Thanks so much!
Though it may be slightly more boring than in the early days, the scrimmage kick punt is still one of the wildest plays in football. It has more of of chance of something crazy to occur that most plays.
I agree, it is just that most of the time, nothing happens. Drop the fair catch and add Canada's five-yard-halo rule to add a lot of excitement to the game, since almost every punt gets returned.