Question 1:
Why do defensive backs play press coverage with no safety help? Playing this defense forces the defensive back to chase and not be aware of where the ball is, and allows the receiver to run by the DB. Backing off two yards allows the DB to keep the play in front of him and allows him to play the ball, as well as react to the receiver’s moves. Quarterbacks continue to audible to passes to receivers that are played press coverage, no safety help, because they know the receiver has a big advantage. It makes the defense susceptible to big plays.
Question 2:
Why do the outside defensive players on punts block the outside guys at the line of scrimmage? This has the same effect as press coverage with no safety help. The outside guys on the punting team run past the blockers and can make the play on the punt returner. Unless the league requires them to be on the line, it seems to make more sense to back off a little and be able to block the player as he’s running or even stay between the player and the punt returner. Starting at the line gives the advantage to the outside guys on the punting team.
Question 3:
Why do teams kick off deep when they can’t kick the ball out of the endzone, and allow kickoff returns, opening themselves up to a big play? If you can’t kick the ball out of the endzone or deep in the endzone, why not deep squib kick, which reduces the odds of a long return? Why do teams allow punt returns, again opening themselves up to big plays? Why not punt the ball out of bounds, or punt it high and a little short (perhaps 35 yards), forcing a fair catch. I don’t understand why teams open themselves up to big plays.
Question 4:
Why is the rule for what is and isn’t a catch so difficult? Why not state that if a receiver catches the ball and has two feet down (or a knee, etc.–the current rules for what is considered down), the play is a catch unless the ball comes out when the receiver hits the ground if he’s diving for the ball as part of the catch. My proposal is that the pass is only incomplete if the ball comes out when the receiver hits the ground after diving for the pass. If the receiver catches the ball and then falls when he stumbles and the ball comes out, the pass should be complete and this should be ruled a fumble (unless he was touched and the ground caused the fumble). Those fans who have been very vocal that the pass should be ruled a catch on a play where the ball comes out late should be prepared to accept the fact that it should be a fumble if the ball comes out late and the receiver wasn’t touched.