4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...l_topeditorial

I am surprised someone even brought this up. Insane idea

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

The biggest problem I see with that plan is all the defensive penalties that can result in 1st downs without actually reaching a first down. Defensive holding in particular.

Offenses would simply design plays that force defensive holding with no real hope of gaining 15 yards.

So unless there was some way on a penalty to get only the yards but not the first down, I'd be against the idea.

SFIAH

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

Those concerns were among many others raised on NFL Radio this past week. The other being that the ball can be advanced on the 4th and 15, but almost always is down at the point of recovery with an onside kick. That recovery in no way guarantees any further success toward scoring. The 4th and 15 play could very well result in a TD immediately if a tackle or two can be broken. Then the team could attempt another 4th and 15 following that score and bust another long TD.

Keep in mind these plays would be held without a running clock, therefore it is feasible that a team down by 23 points with 15 seconds remaining could win in regulation by scoring a TD, a 2 point conversion, a 4th & 15 TD, another 2 point conversion, another 4th & 15 TD, and another 2 point conversion, thus scoring 24 points and winning by one.

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

I think it's an interesting idea, but as others have said too many issues to work out.

I also think if the NFL is kicking this idea around (no pun intended) they will eventually settle on something other than kickoffs. It's come up too often.

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

The refs don’t understand the rules as they are now and the last thing they need is a new rule for them not to enforce.
This gives the refs a lot of power to determine the outcome of a game when they decide to pick and choose when they are going to enforce Penalties on these plays.

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

Easy Solution. Team wants an onside kick, filed goal with the ball kicked from the 50 yard line. Kick good, team retains possession at the 50. A miss results in a dead play with the other team taking possession at the 50. It would be a timed play just like a kickoff.

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

+1.

The league can't even enforce the current rules we have in place. This sounds too gimmicky.

Let's leave everything the way it is now. No need to turn into Arean league football.

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

How do you deny the receiving team the opportunity to possess the ball?

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

This would be my biggest issue right here.

Becomes an easy out and opportunity for a team. One fluke pass int ticky/tacky call & boom, new ball game.

Re: 4th and 15 vs Onside kick
 

My thoughts exactly. It's just another way to stop blowout games where viewers change channels. It all about the almighty dollar. Sponsors want you to see every commercial and the NFL is determined to keep games close.