In the world of American football, every play is a tactical dance, filled with decision-making and strategic planning. One of the most intriguing decisions occurs right after a touchdown is scored: the post-touchdown attempt. This phase of the game may seem like a brief afterthought to casual viewers, but for coaches, players, and even analysts, it represents a crucial moment that can affect the outcome of a game. The post-touchdown attempt is more than just a simple choice between a one-point kick or a two-point conversion; it is a calculated risk and a showcase of strategic thinking.
What is a Post-Touchdown Attempt?
When a team scores a touchdown in American football, they earn six points. Following the touchdown, the team has the opportunity to attempt to score additional points. These points can come from either of two options: a one-point attempt (also called an extra point or PAT) or a two-point conversion. The decision of which option to choose depends on various factors such as game situation, score differential, team strengths, and even field conditions.
- One-Point Attempt (Extra Point): The more traditional and safer option is to kick the ball through the uprights from the 15-yard line for a single point. Historically, this has been a near-automatic play, but rule changes in 2015 made the kick longer, introducing a greater element of difficulty.
- Two-Point Conversion: This is a riskier option where the team attempts to score from the two-yard line. If successful, the team earns two points. The conversion requires running a play from scrimmage, either a pass or a run, making it much more challenging than the one-point kick.
Historical Context of Post-Touchdown Attempts
In the early days of football, extra points were considered a formality, with teams converting them at a very high rate. The decision to go for a two-point conversion was much rarer and only occurred when the game situation warranted it, such as in desperate comebacks.
The landscape changed when the NFL moved the extra point kick back from the two-yard line to the 15-yard line in 2015. This shift increased the pressure on kickers and reduced the previously automatic nature of the extra point. From 2015 onward, teams saw a decline in their success rate on extra points, leading some coaches to consider the two-point conversion more frequently.
Strategic Considerations for Post-Touchdown Attempts
- Score Differential: One of the most critical factors influencing the decision is the current score. Coaches will often weigh the benefits of adding one or two points based on how much their team is trailing or leading. For instance, if a team is trailing by two points, they might opt for a two-point conversion to tie the game. Conversely, if a team is leading by a comfortable margin, the safer one-point kick is often the preferred choice.
- Time Left in the Game: The amount of time remaining can greatly influence the decision. Early in the game, coaches may opt for the one-point kick, reasoning that there is plenty of time to make up any shortfall later. However, as the game progresses and time becomes a factor, teams may feel the need to maximize their scoring opportunities by attempting a two-point conversion.
- Team Strengths and Weaknesses: Teams with a strong offensive line, an elusive quarterback, or a powerful running back may feel more confident in their ability to execute a two-point conversion. On the other hand, teams with a reliable kicker may prefer to stick with the one-point attempt. The quality of the opponent’s defense also plays a role in the decision. A coach may opt for the safer kick if facing a strong goal-line defense.
- Weather and Field Conditions: External factors like weather can influence post-touchdown attempts. For instance, if it’s a particularly windy day, kicking an extra point could be more difficult. In such cases, teams might opt to go for two points, especially if they feel they can better control the outcome through a play from scrimmage.
- Game Theory and Analytics: In recent years, analytics have played a growing role in decision-making. Analysts look at probabilities of success for both options and recommend decisions based on the likelihood of different outcomes. For example, statistically, two-point conversions have around a 48% success rate, meaning teams convert nearly half the time. This makes the risk-reward ratio appealing in some cases, particularly when coaches play with probabilities to maximize scoring over multiple possessions.
The Psychological Aspect
Aside from the tangible factors like score and game situation, there’s a psychological element that can impact the decision to attempt a post-touchdown play. Coaches need to consider the morale of their team and the opponent. A successful two-point conversion can be a significant momentum boost for a team, while a failure can have the opposite effect. The fear of failure may prompt conservative decisions, especially in high-stakes moments.
Additionally, teams may try to “steal” momentum by catching their opponent off guard. In situations where the opposing defense might be expecting a routine extra point, a surprise two-point conversion can throw them off balance and shift the game’s dynamic.
Notable Moments in Post-Touchdown Decisions
Some of the most exciting moments in NFL history have come from post-touchdown attempts. These decisions have often swung the outcome of games and sometimes even championships. One famous example occurred during Super Bowl LI in 2017, when the New England Patriots, down 28-20 late in the game, successfully converted a two-point attempt to tie the game at 28. They eventually won in overtime, and the decision to go for two was a critical factor in their victory.
Another memorable moment happened in 2013, when the Denver Broncos scored a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in a wild 51-48 shootout. Instead of kicking the extra point, the Broncos went for two points to take a three-point lead, which ultimately helped them secure the win. These moments highlight how pivotal post-touchdown attempts can be in high-pressure situations.
Evolution of the Post-Touchdown Decision
As the NFL evolves, so too does the approach to the post-touchdown attempt. The shift in extra point difficulty, combined with a growing reliance on analytics, has led to a more nuanced and varied approach. No longer seen as an automatic play, each post-touchdown attempt is a small battle within the larger war of a football game.
Coaches and players now must be well-versed in both strategy and psychology, understanding when to take risks and when to play it safe. This development has made the post-touchdown attempt one of the most fascinating and dynamic aspects of modern football, injecting an additional layer of excitement into every touchdown scored.
Conclusion
The post-touchdown attempt may seem like a brief, easily overlooked moment in a football game, but it is a critical decision point that can shape the outcome of contests, seasons, and even legacies. Whether opting for the safer one-point kick or the riskier two-point conversion, teams weigh a multitude of factors to decide their best course of action. It’s a blend of strategy, analytics, and intuition that defines the chess-like nature of American football and keeps fans on the edge of their seats after every touchdown.
