In a league where kickers have become increasingly accurate, the NFL is contemplating adjustments to make field goal attempts more challenging. With kickers effortlessly nailing kicks from 50 yards and beyond, the league is exploring potential modifications to inject more drama and uncertainty into this once-perfunctory play.

Fifty years ago, the NFL made a significant change by moving the goalposts from the goal line to the back of the end zone, adding 10 yards to every field goal attempt. In those days, successfully converting a kick from 40 yards away was seen as impressive, especially considering the toe-kicking technique utilized by most kickers at the time.

However, as the game has evolved, so too have kickers and their abilities. Nowadays, kicks from 40 yards are considered routine, and even 50-yard attempts have become less of a challenge. Inevitably, it seems that a field goal from an astounding 70 yards out may soon enter the realm of possibility, rivaling the range of Gus, the legendary field-goal-kicking donkey.

To attempt a 70-yard field goal, an offense only needs to reach its own 47-yard line. In the case of a 60-yarder, the magic number becomes the opponent's 43-yard line. As kickers continue to improve their skills, positioning themselves for three points becomes increasingly easier.

This brings us to the pressing question at hand: Will the NFL introduce measures to make converting field goals more difficult? Two potential avenues discussed are raising the crossbar or shrinking the gap between the uprights. Both options aim to present kickers with greater challenges, potentially leading teams to opt for riskier plays or punting more frequently.

The primary issue lies in the lack of uncertainty associated with field goal attempts. While successful kicks are met with little excitement, each miss generates a surge of anticipation. The more kickers consistently blast the ball through the three-sided rectangle from distances of 50 yards or more, the more thrilling it becomes to witness a moment of doubt regarding accuracy.

The simplest solution to introduce this element of doubt is to shrink the target. Thus far, through the first two weeks of the season, 39 field goals from 50 yards or longer have been attempted, with an astonishing success rate of nearly 90%. The dominance of kickers has made it apparent that adjustments must be made to maintain balance and preserve the excitement of this crucial aspect of the game.

By implementing changes that increase the difficulty of field goal conversions, the NFL aims to restore a sense of unpredictability and revive the thrill associated with these plays. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen what alterations will be made and how kickers will adapt to the new challenges that lie ahead.