Rate of Roughing the Kicker vs. Blocked Punts (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

I don't have the stats here and don't know where to look for this, but maybe someone does.

But, I just finished watching that penalty on GB for roughing the kicker that was essentially a turnover and it got me thinking. It seems. that there are more penalties for running into the kicker than blocked punts.

If the chances are higher that you will get that penalty and give the ball right back when you should have gained possession vs. the chances of blocking the punt and simply getting better field position, is it really smart to ever try and block punts? I just don't see the benefit of a blocked punt being worth the cost of giving the ball right back, esp. when the latter seems to take place more often.

I'm making these #'s up, but let's say you know you're going to get 5 penalties for running into the kicker over the course of the year and 2 blocked punts.....just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[J Rod]

One reason to go after punts (other than to block it) is to rush the punter into a bad punt...especially in these conditions.

 

[Lord Lucan]

Green Bay would probably like to see going after the punter banned given their experiences in Chicago a few weeks ago.

 

[gianmarco]

One reason to go after punts (other than to block it) is to rush the punter into a bad punt...especially in these conditions.

I'm not saying to not rush. But not to go all out for the punter and risk a silly penalty like the one they got today.