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Can You Return An Extra Point In Football: Yes!
In American football, it is indeed possible to return an extra point attempt. If the defense or special teams unit intercepts or recovers a fumble on a scrimmage play (like a blocked kick or a muffed snap) or a fumbled conversion attempt, they can advance the ball towards the opponent’s end zone. If they successfully reach the end zone, they score two points for their team. This is often referred to as a defensive conversion or a defensive PAT return.
Football, a sport celebrated for its strategic complexities and thrilling moments, often presents scenarios that leave fans asking, “What if?” One such intriguing question revolves around the extra point, that seemingly routine kick after a touchdown. Can you return an extra point in football? The answer is a resounding yes, and it opens up a fascinating layer of strategy and excitement. While the traditional extra point kick is a familiar sight, the rules allow for a defensive return, transforming a potentially automatic point into a potential game-changer. This article delves deep into the mechanics, history, and implications of the extra point return, exploring how it can lead to a defensive conversion and even impact scoring in a significant way.
The Fundamentals of the Extra Point
Following a touchdown, a team has the option to attempt an extra point or a two-point conversion. The extra point, typically a short field goal, is worth one point. The two-point conversion, which involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from a short distance (usually the 2-yard line in the NFL), is worth two points.
However, the game doesn’t just stop if the extra point attempt is unusual. The rules surrounding these attempts are designed to allow for defensive play and counter-plays, making every snap a potential opportunity. This is where the concept of a defensive return on an extra point attempt comes into play.
How a Defensive Return Works
A defensive PAT return can occur in several ways, primarily stemming from a botched snap or a blocked kick. Let’s break down the common scenarios:
- Blocked Kick: If the kicking team attempts a field goal for the extra point and the defense successfully blocks the kick, the ball becomes live. Any defensive player who recovers the blocked kick can attempt to run it back. If they manage to carry it all the way to the opponent’s end zone, their team scores two points. This is a specific type of blocked kick return.
- Muffed Snap: If the snap to the holder on an extra point attempt is mishandled (a “muffed snap”) and the ball remains on the ground, it’s also a live ball. A defensive player can then pick up the loose ball and advance it. Again, if they reach the opponent’s end zone, it results in a two-point score for the defense.
- Fumbled Hold: Similarly, if the holder fumbles the ball after catching the snap, the ball is live and can be recovered and returned by the defense.
- Intercepted Pass/Fumbled Hand-off: In the rare instance where a team attempts a trick play on an extra point (e.g., a pass or a run), and the defense intercepts the pass or recovers a fumble, they can also return it for two points. This falls under the umbrella of a two-point conversion attempt that is turned into a defensive score.
The Value of a Defensive PAT Return
The ability to return an extra point attempt fundamentally changes the scoring dynamic. Instead of a guaranteed point for the offense, it becomes a risk-reward situation.
- Gaining Momentum: A successful defensive safety on PAT or a PAT return touchdown is a significant morale boost. It demonstrates the defense’s ability to capitalize on an opponent’s mistake and can shift the momentum of a game dramatically.
- Strategic Implications: Teams might consider trick plays on extra points more frequently if they believe their defense can handle the threat and potentially score. Conversely, a well-drilled special teams unit will focus on protecting the snap and the kick to prevent such opportunities.
- Scoring Differential: In a close game, a two-point defensive conversion can be the difference between a win and a loss. It’s not just about preventing the opponent from scoring; it’s about scoring against them during what is typically a non-offensive play.
Historical Context and Rule Changes
The evolution of the extra point rule has significantly influenced the frequency and impact of defensive conversions. For a long time, the extra point was a simple kick, and the ball was dead once it went through the uprights or missed. However, rule changes have opened up more possibilities for defensive returns.
In the NFL, the rule was changed in 2015 to move the line of scrimmage for the extra point attempt from the 2-yard line to the 15-yard line. This was done to make the extra point kick more challenging and to encourage more two-point conversion attempts. While this change increased the difficulty of the kick, it also inadvertently created more scenarios where a block or a mishandled snap could lead to a live ball and a potential defensive return.
The rule explicitly states that if the defense gains possession of the ball during a try (extra point or two-point conversion) and advances it into the opponent’s end zone, they score two points. This applies whether the attempt was a kick or a scrimmage play.
The Mechanics of a Blocked Kick Return
Let’s focus on the scoring on a blocked extra point. Imagine the snap is good, but the defensive line surges through and gets a hand on the ball. The ball pops up in the air, falling somewhere around the line of scrimmage.
- Possession: A defensive player must legally recover the loose ball. This means it cannot be the result of an illegal forward pass or an illegal kick.
- Advancement: Once possession is secured, the defensive player can run with the ball.
- End Zone: The objective is to reach the opponent’s end zone.
It’s important to note that the defensive team is also subject to the same rules regarding penalties as the offensive team. For instance, if a defensive player commits holding during the return, it would negate the potential score.
The Two-Point Conversion and Defensive Opportunities
When a team opts for a two-point conversion instead of kicking, the ball is already live on a scrimmage play. This scenario offers more direct opportunities for defensive intervention.
- Interception: If the quarterback attempts to pass the ball on a two-point conversion and it’s intercepted by a defensive back, the defensive player can immediately attempt to return it. If they score, it’s two points for the defense.
- Fumble Recovery: If the ball carrier fumbles the ball during the two-point conversion attempt, and a defensive player recovers it and advances it to the opponent’s end zone, it’s also a two-point score.
Special Teams Return Expertise
The ability to successfully execute an extra point return often relies on the expertise of special teams return units. These players are not just kick returners; they are often skilled athletes with good open-field running ability and instincts.
- Awareness: Special teams players need to be hyper-aware of the ball’s status on any kicking or conversion attempt.
- Opportunism: They must be ready to pounce on any loose ball.
- Blocking: Just like on a regular kickoff or punt return, blocking from teammates is crucial for clearing a path to the end zone.
Notable Instances and Impact
While not an everyday occurrence, PAT return touchdowns have happened in professional football, often in crucial moments. These plays can be highlights of a season, showcasing incredible athleticism and strategic execution.
Consider a situation where a team is down by one point in the final seconds. They score a touchdown to make the score closer, but the extra point is blocked and returned by the opposing team for two points. This could turn a potential game-tying situation into a situation where the scoring team is now down by three, requiring a field goal to force overtime, rather than a touchdown to win. The impact of a successful defensive PAT return can be profound.
The Defensive Safety on PAT
A less common but still possible outcome is a defensive safety on PAT. This occurs if the defense gains possession of the ball during a try and is then tackled in their own end zone. In this specific scenario, the result is not points for the defense, but rather two points awarded to the kicking team (the team that attempted the extra point or two-point conversion). This highlights the complex nature of these plays and the importance of protecting the ball even when on defense.
Analyzing Scoring Opportunities
Let’s visualize the potential scoring outcomes on an extra point attempt:
| Scenario | Kicking Team Score | Defensive Team Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Successful Kick | +1 | 0 | Standard extra point |
| Successful Two-Point Play | +2 | 0 | Successful two-point conversion |
| Blocked Kick, No Return | 0 | 0 | Kick blocked, ball dead or out of bounds. |
| Blocked Kick Return TD | 0 | +2 | Defense recovers blocked kick and scores. |
| Muffed Snap, No Return | 0 | 0 | Snap fumbled, ball dead or out of bounds. |
| Muffed Snap Return TD | 0 | +2 | Defense recovers fumbled snap and scores. |
| Fumbled Holder, No Return | 0 | 0 | Holder fumbles, ball dead or out of bounds. |
| Fumbled Holder Return TD | 0 | +2 | Defense recovers fumbled holder’s ball and scores. |
| Intercepted Conversion Pass | 0 | +2 | Defense intercepts a two-point conversion pass. |
| Recovered Conversion Fumble | 0 | +2 | Defense recovers a fumble on a two-point conversion. |
| Defensive Safety on PAT | +2 | 0 | Defense is tackled in their own end zone. |
Tactical Considerations for Teams
For the Offense (Kicking Team):
- Ball Security: Every player on the field for the extra point or two-point conversion must prioritize ball security. A fumbled snap, a muffed hold, or a poor snap can be disastrous.
- Protection: Offensive linemen and blockers need to maintain their assignments to give the kicker or ball carrier time.
- Situational Awareness: Coaches need to decide whether a kick or a two-point play is strategically sound, considering the potential for a defensive return.
For the Defense:
- Aggression on Blocks: Defensive linemen should be coached to go for the block with controlled aggression, aiming to deflect the ball rather than just getting a hand on it.
- Pursuit Angles: Defensive players must have excellent pursuit angles on any loose ball to maximize their chances of recovery and return.
- Coverage on Conversion Plays: If the opponent is attempting a two-point conversion, the defense needs to play it as seriously as any other down, focusing on man-to-man or zone coverage to prevent a score or create an interception/fumble.
What Constitutes a Return?
A defensive return in football typically means advancing a live ball in possession of the defense towards the opponent’s end zone. For an extra point attempt, this can involve recovering a blocked kick, a muffed snap, or an intercepted pass. The key is that the ball is live, the defense gains possession legally, and they advance it. The ultimate goal of this advance is to reach the opponent’s end zone, which results in scoring two points.
The Role of Special Teams Returners
Special teams units are often composed of players who excel in open-field situations. These are the players typically tasked with returning punts and kickoffs, and their skills are directly transferable to a potential PAT return touchdown. Their vision, speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in space are critical when they have an opportunity to run the length of the field for a score. A well-executed special teams return on a blocked kick or fumble can completely change the complexion of a game.
Frequency and Impact on Scoring
While defensive PAT returns are not incredibly common, their impact is often amplified due to the timing and context in which they occur. In a sport where margins of victory can be razor-thin, a two-point swing, especially one generated by the defense, can be decisive. Games have been won or lost by a single point, making the potential for the defense to score during an extra point attempt a critical aspect of game strategy and analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can a team score more than two points on an extra point return?
A: No, a successful defensive PAT return is worth exactly two points. - Q: What happens if the defense fumbles the ball during an extra point return?
A: If the defense fumbles the ball during a return attempt, it becomes a live ball. The offense can recover it, but they cannot advance it for points unless it was a two-point conversion attempt and they regain possession and score. If they recover a fumbled kick return, the try is over. - Q: Are there any historical examples of dramatic extra point returns?
A: Yes, there have been several instances in NFL history where blocked extra points were returned for touchdowns, often in pivotal games. These plays are remembered for their surprise element and significant impact on the score. - Q: Does the same rule apply to college football?
A: Yes, the rules regarding defensive returns on extra points are similar across most levels of American football, including college football. A defensive conversion for two points is a possibility when the defense gains possession and advances the ball to the opponent’s end zone. - Q: What is the significance of the “defensive safety on PAT”?
A: A defensive safety on PAT is a rare event where the defense, after gaining possession of the ball during a try, is tackled in their own end zone. In this specific scenario, the kicking team is awarded two points, not the defense.
In conclusion, the possibility of returning an extra point in football adds a layer of strategic depth and excitement that often goes unnoticed by casual observers. From blocked kicks to fumbled snaps, the defense has a tangible opportunity to score, turning a routine play into a potential game-altering moment. Understanding these nuances, such as the extra point return, the two-point conversion dynamics, and the implications of a defensive safety on PAT, provides a richer appreciation for the intricate rules and tactical battles that define American football. Whether it’s a spectacular PAT return touchdown or a well-executed special teams return, these plays remind us that in football, every snap, no matter how small, can lead to a big outcome.