[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally posted by octothorp@Feb 24 2005, 11:12 AM
I like the punting rules as they are--there definitely shouldn't be a penalty if the ball goes out of bounds on a bounce. If it goes directly out, sure, give them a five yard penalty, but nothing so serious that it would discourage punters from attempting to angle it out on the bounce. Personally, I love seeing a punt roll out of bounds on the two yard line.

I'd change the rouge rule similarly--a rouge can only be scored on a missed field goal if the ball lands in the endzone and either bounces out of bounds or is picked up by a returner who is then downed in the endzone. If the ball sails through the endzone without touching the ground, there's no single. This ensures that no rouge can be scored without the other team having a chance to return the ball.

Personally, I like the potential for a rouge in a tight game, where a team has to attempt a return because they can't afford to give up a huge point. If you eliminate the rouge, there's less incentive for returns, which would be too bad because missed field goals are where most returns for TDs happen.

I think you hit it dead on there. Let them punt it out if it hits the ground but if it goes out on the fall, bring it back to where they punted (as a rugby player I think this is the way it should be done). I also like your idea for the field goal rouge. If it lands in the endzone (punt or field goal) they gotta run it out. If it goes straight through, too bad, you should have taken a little off of it.