Calling Time out after Folk field goal

[mr.jameswoods]

I forget exactly where I read it, but someone made a good point concerning this "strategy".

Someone will call a timeout right as its snapped, and the kicker will end up shanking it. The next kick will go through and all the blame will go on the coach who gave them an extra kick.

Yes, that will happen but the odds that the kicker will make the first one and miss the second one are greater IMO. There is a reason coaches ice the kicker. It's because a kicker is mentally prepared to make the first one and the timeout delays that hoping the kicker will think about it and miss it. The same principle applies. The kicker is mentally prepared to make the field goal; he makes it but a timeout was called so now he doesn't get to enjoy the relief of making the first FG; he has to go out and do it again which is much more difficult.

 

[mr.jameswoods]

When does the opposing coach get that decision? I just don't see the reason for an uproar against Jauron calling time out before the ball is snapped. It is up to the officials to make everyone aware that a time out has been called. They are the ones that did a poor job.

That's a good take Joseephus and I wouldn't have a problem with the rule if the officials were technically able to communicate to everyone that a TO was called, and the kicker was able to cease his motion before the kick. The problem is that it would be almost impossible to notify everyone instantly AND have the kicker cease his motion in time. The kicker can't take the chance of pausing to see if a timeout is called so he is going to kick the ball regardless. I don't feel the officials should be blamed

Yes, it might be in the rules but that doesn't necessarily mean the rule is fair or within the spirit of the game. The game is constantly evolving for the better and rules have been changed in the past. If you are going to complain about changing the rules then you have to address the changes in the past since this has never been a stagnant league in regards to the rules.

 

[joseephuss]

That's a good take Joseephus and I wouldn't have a problem with the rule if the officials were technically able to communicate to everyone that a TO was called, and the kicker was able to cease his motion before the kick. The problem is that it would be almost impossible to notify everyone instantly AND have the kicker cease his motion in time. The kicker can't take the chance of pausing to see if a timeout is called so he is going to kick the ball regardless. I don't feel the officials should be blamed

Yes, it might be in the rules but that doesn't necessarily mean the rule is fair or within the spirit of the game. The game is constantly evolving for the better and rules have been changed in the past. If you are going to complain about changing the rules then you have to address the changes in the past since this has never been a stagnant league in regards to the rules.

I agree the league evolves. Some for the better and a few for the worse. I would not be surprise if they look into changing the rule or actually change the rule. I just don't see it as being that big of a negative of calling the timeout. It is the kicker's job to make it and if it takes doing it 2 or 3 times, then so be it. If Romo and the offense played better, it would never have even come down to that play.

I am curious as to how a rule would be put into effect. Would it be limited to only FG attempts? What if there is a last second timeout by the defense when the offense is running a play, but the refs don't stop the play and the QB throws a TD before everyone realizes a time out was called. What if the FG kicking team suddenly motioned a guy to the outside because they are going to fake it. Would the defense not be able to use a time out? A new rule doesn't seem straightforward to me, but it will be interesting to see what happens next. Like I said, let them call time out.