Redskins should capitalize on no-leaping rule
By Donny Starr
The Washington Redskins have one less thing to worry about in the 2017 Season thanks to the no-leaping rule passed this week by NFL Owners.
The no-leaping rule, as per the NFL (at this point) is defined as follows:
"“Prohibits the “leaper” block attempt on field goal and extra point plays.”"
The report goes on to explain that NFL Communications plans to explain in depth at a later date “final language” about the new rule. The Philadelphia Eagles proposed the rule change. Redskins Kicker Dustin Hopkins now has to hope his protection holds up front to get his kick through the uprights.
No pressure, right? Of course not. Hopkins is a good kicker.
Last season, Hopkins was 81 percent, landing 34 out of 42 attempts through the uprights, making him one of the top five kickers in the league. His longest was from 53 yards. He also made 36 of his 39 extra points. It seems the NFL is really working to make sure people can do their jobs on the field without worry. Even though there’s always an element of risk, the no-leaping rule makes sense and shows commitment to safety.
However, there is a big drawback that will be noticed: Lack of the “big play”. Teams now will have to find other ways to make that happen. The no-leaping rule will take away that heart-racing last play when it comes down to the field goal. The Redskins don’t have problems in this area. With no field goals blocked in the 2016 season, this just gives Hopkins more time to focus on the kick. In addition, it gives the Redskins more options at Fourth down to get creative.
The Redskins however had one of their proposals rejected. As per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, their proposal to place the ball at the 20-yard-line if the kicker puts it through the uprights on a kickoff failed. Not a big deal in comparison to those Color Rush jerseys. The jury apparently is still out on that one.