The numbers that matter most to the NFL are money and TV ratings. There's one number the league doesn't like.
“Statistically, what I'm a little concerned about is the scoring,” Competition Commission Chairman Rich McKay said on a conference call Thursday. “This year's score of 43.5 still exceeds the previous historical index of 43 points. But during the pandemic, 49 points per game. [in 2020]and we went to 45 [in 2021]went to 43.76. [in 2022], and now it's down to 43.54. ”
McKay believes the proposed kickoff changes will impact field position by three to five yards per drive, which will lead to more scoring. (He said a modified kickoff is a done deal, but it could happen if the owners think they can get more points.)
Some would say the league shouldn't worry about doing anything to improve scoring. But that's what the league has been doing since the 1970s, when it realized that more yards and more points brought more excitement and more viewers. And it costs more money.
Still, with gambling now legalized, the straightforward desire to earn more points becomes a riskier proposition. Already, it seems that officials sometimes turn a blind eye when it comes to offensive linemen being sent off early or holding offenses. Umpires can sometimes get a little too happy about roughing up the passer.
At what point does not adhering to rules written to improve scoring compromise the integrity of the game? By admitting that the league wants more points, the league This has led to speculation that certain calls may or may not be made to confuse the scoreboard rather than to make them correct.
