Today's Tidbit... Touchbacks After Fumbling Into the End Zone

After Kansas City Chiefs wideout Mecole Hardman fumbled at the 1-yard line the other day, the ball went into the end zone and out of bounds, so they ruled it a touchback, and the Buffalo Bills gained possession of the ball at the 20-yard line.

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Plays in which balls fumbled into and out of the end zone have led to complaints that the offensive team's punishment is excessive, despite similar rulings since 1898.

Despite recognizing that All Football Rules Are Arbitrary (AFRAA), I am comfortable with the existing rules, especially when backed by decades of tradition. Rules should be internally consistent, connecting and following similar logic despite being arbitrary. At least, that is the hope. So, let's look at some old-time rules that led to today's situation.

No Style Points

Unlike diving and gymnastics, football does not award style points. Despite calls by Pop Warner and others to award points for gaining first downs or penetrating the red zone, football has stayed true by awarding points only when the team in possession of the ball touches it down in the end zone or kicks it over the crossbar. That's it. The goal line and end line (where the goal posts moved in 1927) mean something, just like onside and offside. You don't get points for coming close to the goal line or nearly making a kick.