When it comes to gridiron football, scoring a touchdown is cause for celebration—but the game doesn’t stop there. Enter the post-touchdown attempt, the play that follows a touchdown and offers teams a shot at bonus points. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just starting to enjoy the game, understanding these attempts is crucial to appreciating the strategies and nail-biting moments that make football so thrilling.
From the classic PAT (Point After Touchdown) to the high-stakes two-point conversion, post-touchdown attempts reflect the evolution of the game and highlight pivotal coaching decisions that can turn matches on their heads. Here’s everything you need to know about post-touchdown attempts—and why they’re the unsung heroes of football drama.
The Anatomy of a Touchdown
Before we dig into what comes next, let’s get up to speed.
A touchdown, worth six points, is scored when a player carries the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches it there. Touchdowns are often the result of teamwork, strategy, and sometimes just pure athletic brilliance (hello, one-handed catches and 60-yard sprints to the end zone). Once the touchdown is scored, the team has the opportunity to tack on additional points through the post-touchdown attempt.
And this is where the real chess game begins.
Understanding the Post-Touchdown Attempt
What exactly happens after a touchdown? The scoring team gets to choose between:
- Point After Touchdown (PAT):
The team attempts to kick the ball through the uprights for an extra point.
- Placement: NFL teams attempt this from the 15-yard line, while in college and high school, it’s placed at the 3-yard line. (Why the difference? More on that later.)
- Success Rate: High—NFL teams converted 93% of PATs in 2022. But don’t be fooled; it’s no gimmie.
- Two-Point Conversion:
The team runs or passes the ball into the end zone from the 2-yard line (essentially like a mini-touchdown for two points).
- Riskier Move: Success rates hover around 50%. But when they work, oh boy, do they electrify a game.
Historically, PATs ruled the roost. But the introduction of the two-point conversion in NCAA football in 1958 and the NFL in 1994 provided coaches with a gutsier way to change the scoreline—and the game.
The Evolution of the Game
Rules surrounding post-touchdown attempts have evolved to keep the game dynamic and unpredictable.
- The 2015 NFL Rule Change: The NFL moved the PAT attempt placement from the 2-yard line to the 15-yard line to make extra-point kicks more challenging. Why? Kicking accuracy had made PATs almost automatic. By changing the distance, the NFL added a layer of suspense, where sudden botched kicks could shift momentum.
- The NCAA Innovates: Before the NFL, college football introduced the two-point conversion in 1958 as a more exciting scoring option. High-stakes games demanded high-stakes plays.
These rule changes prove one thing about football—it’s a constantly evolving sport, adapting to maintain a balance of strategy, skill, and spectator excitement.
Strategies Behind Choosing the Attempt
Coaches don’t just flip a coin when deciding between a PAT and a two-point conversion. A lot goes into the call, including:
- Game Situation:
If the team needs a two-point conversion to tie or win, expect the offense to line up for it.
- Team Strengths:
A team with a versatile quarterback or a strong running back might lean towards a two-point attempt. If their kicking game is shaky, that adds to the incentive.
- Opponents’ Weaknesses:
Does the opposing defense struggle with quick passes or runs? Exploiting their weak points can tip the scales toward a two-point attempt.
- Conditions:
Bad weather can turn even a straightforward PAT attempt into a nightmare.
For example, in Super Bowl XXXVIII, the New England Patriots opted for a two-point conversion to secure a seven-point lead, proving just how critical these calls can be.
The Psychology of Scoring
There’s more to post-touchdown attempts than strategy—mental warfare plays a huge role.
- For the Scoring Team:
A successful two-point conversion sends a message of dominance and confidence to your opponent, hyping up the offense and energizing the fans.
- For the Defending Team:
A failed attempt can be a huge morale boost, while a successful stop during a two-point conversion may provide crucial momentum to turn the game in their favor.
One well-executed post-touchdown attempt can shift the entire tone of a game, leaving players and fans on the edge of their seats.
The Future of Post-Touchdown Attempts
With football constantly evolving, what’s next for post-touchdown attempts?
Speculations include:
- More Aggressive Play-Calling: Coaches are starting to favor two-point conversions in clutch situations, signaling a shift in mindset.
- New Play Designs: Expect innovative playbooks with trick plays that catch everyone off guard.
- Further Rule Changes: To keep the game competitive, future adjustments might alter the risk-reward balance for PATs and two-point conversions.
Whatever happens, one thing is certain—post-touchdown attempts will continue to fuel unpredictable, adrenaline-filled moments that make football truly electrifying.
Recap
Understanding post-touchdown attempts goes beyond kicks and runs; it’s about strategy, psychology, and the evolution of the game. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or analyzing game tape, knowing the ins and outs of these plays deepens your appreciation for the sport.
Think you’ve mastered post-touchdown attempts? Start a conversation in your football community about your favorite strategies and moments!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
NFL Bite – What Is It, Is It Safe, and Why We Need It
Conclusion
So, what have we learned in this epic rollercoaster of touchdowns and post-touchdown attempts? It’s a wild blend of brilliance, cunning, and dare we say, a sprinkle of luck. Coaches are playing chess, quarterbacks are conducting symphonies, and each point-after attempt is more than just numbers on a scoreboard. It’s the drama of decision-making, the psychology of sportsmanship, and the heart-stopping thrill that keeps us all coming back for more season after season. So next time you’re watching, grab some popcorn and watch those PATs and two-point attempts with newfound appreciation—they’re the circus, the fireworks, the grand finale in this grand ol’ game of football. Here’s to many more gridiron spectacles that leave us all breathless and wide-eyed!
FAQS
1. Why did the NFL move the PAT to the 15-yard line?
To increase difficulty and bring more excitement to extra-point attempts, which had become nearly automatic.
2. When can a team attempt a two-point conversion?
Anytime after scoring a touchdown. The team has the option to go for two points instead of kicking a PAT.
3. What is the success rate of two-point conversions in the NFL?
Success rates hover around 50%, making it a calculated risk with game-changing potential.
4. When was the two-point conversion introduced in NCAA football?
The NCAA adopted the two-point conversion rule in 1958 to add strategic depth to games.
5. How does weather affect post-touchdown attempts?
Poor weather (e.g., rain, wind, or snow) can make PAT kicks unpredictable and lead teams to favor the two-point conversion.
