Scoring in the NFL, or National Football League, can be an exhilarating moment for both players and fans. Whether it’s a touchdown, field goal, or safety, each score can significantly impact a game’s outcome. However, there’s one scoring opportunity that might not be as well-known: the singular point. It may seem small, but in a tight game, every point counts. So, how can a team score just one point in the NFL? This article will delve into this lesser-known scoring opportunity, known as the “extra point” or “point after touchdown.”
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to understand the general scoring structure in the NFL. A touchdown, when a player carries the ball across the opponent’s goal line or catches it while in the endzone, earns six points. A field goal, achieved by kicking the ball through the uprights, is worth three points. A safety, when the opposing team is tackled or steps out of bounds in their own endzone, is worth two points. The extra point, which is what we’re focusing on, is worth one point.
The extra point comes into play immediately after a touchdown. Once a team scores a touchdown, they have the option of kicking an extra point or attempting a two-point conversion. The one-point attempt is often referred to as the “Point After Touchdown” (PAT) or simply the “extra point”.
Here’s how it works: The ball is placed on the opponent’s 15-yard line, and the team’s kicker has one chance to kick the ball through the uprights. If successful, the team earns an additional point. This may seem straightforward, but in the heat of the game, with opposing players rushing towards you, it’s no easy feat!
Interestingly, there’s another way to earn a single point, though it’s extremely rare. Known as a “one-point safety,” this happens when the defense takes possession of the ball during a conversion attempt but then lose control of it in their own endzone, either by fumbling it or being tackled. If the offensive team recovers it, they earn the one-point safety. This is an incredibly rare occurrence and has only happened a handful of times in collegiate football and never in the NFL. However, the rule remains in the NFL playbook.
Now, you might be wondering why a team would choose to go for just one point when they could attempt a two-point conversion. The answer lies in strategic gameplay. The one-point kick is generally seen as a safer, more reliable option. The success rate for extra point kicks in the 2020 NFL season was over 93%, while two-point conversions were successful just under 50% of the time.
When a game’s outcome could hinge on a single point, the reliability of the extra point kick becomes alluring. However, the choice between an extra point attempt and a two-point conversion ultimately comes down to the game’s context, the team’s confidence in their kicker, and the coach’s strategy.
Scoring a single point in the NFL may seem insignificant on the surface, but in the grand scheme of a game, it can be a game-changer. Whether it comes from a well-executed extra point after a touchdown or the rare one-point safety, this scoring opportunity offers teams a chance to edge out their competition one point at a time. So next time you’re watching an NFL game, keep an eye out for these critical moments. Who knows, that one point could be the difference between victory and defeat.