Despite rule change, Eagles will not try more 2-point conversions

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The Philadelphia Eagles are not going to abandon extra point tries in favor of the two-point conversion simply because the NFL moved the kick back.

That kind of seems like it goes without saying, or at least it should have. However, Chip Kelly was asked about the rule change regarding the two-point play at OTAs on Thursday, and the head coach confirmed there will be no difference in philosophy.

“I don’t think anything is new,” Kelly said. “That’s the way we look at it.

Technically, something about the point after touchdown is very new. On an extra point attempt, the ball will now be snapped from the 15-yard line for the point after, making it a 33-yard kick.

The ball was previously snapped from the 2-yard line, which was essentially a gimme. However, in today’s NFL, even the new distance isn’t that much of a challenge in most instances, as Kelly helpfully pointed out.

“So the ball went back. We were 43 of 45 in the last two years from that distance, so 96 percent. I don’t know what changes, to be honest with you.

Another aspect of the new rule allows the defense to return a blocked kick or turnover to the opposite end zone to score two points of their own, so that certainly changed. Before, a blocked kick or turnover signaled the end of the play.

The Eagles had a separate proposal on the table that would’ve also moved the two-point conversion up to the 1-yard line, but that motion failed. Perhaps it was the excitement over Philly’s apparent interest in going for two more—coupled with theories on why Tim Tebow was really added to the roster—that may have led some to jump to conclusions about Kelly’s plans.

 “The defense can score, but we’re still gonna kick an extra point,” Kelly revealed. “I don’t understand the proposal. If they want you to go for two more, the ball has always been on the 2-yard line. That’s always been an option for everybody for awhile.

“They didn’t entice you to go for two more, at least in my opinion.

Kelly may have a reputation for being aggressive, but the smart thing to do in most situations will still be kicking the extra point. This may not seem very groundbreaking, although apparently there might’ve been some confusion on the matter.

Two-point conversions will likely be on the rise, as more PATs naturally will be missed as a result of the new rule, which may in turn force a coach’s hand later as the game progresses. However, one of the boldest coaches in the league doesn’t believe the NFL incentivized going for two over the far safer kick.

So much for Tebow the Two-Point Specialist.

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