Roger Goodell doesnt want to stand pat with the PAT. Ryan Clark Jersey . Hes suggesting potential changes in the extra point that, well, might have some legs. The NFL commissioner says the extra point kick after touchdowns, which had a success rate of nearly 100 per cent, is too automatic. Sure is. And with few teams attempting 2-point conversion plays until desperation hits late in games, the old 1-pointer from 20 yards is the way coaches go. All that does is draw yawns. So Goodell wonders if the league can add excitement by making some major adjustments to the extra point, suggesting perhaps making a touchdown worth seven points instead of six, with teams having the option to run a play for another point. But failing on that play would cost them a point. Gimmicky, for sure. But if Goodell likes the idea ... A look at how changes to the extra point would affect football: HOW AND WHO? Passing any changes to the playing rules in the NFL is, unlike the extra point kick, no snap. The competition committee meets with the players union at the NFL combine in February, where any new proposals or ideas are discussed. Its not unusual for the players to have input in potential adjustments, as they did recently on defenceless player penalties. The powerful committee, chaired by Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay, meets for about a week in early March and comes up with any proposals, whether from the teams or union or, yes, the big boss. At the league meetings later in March, the committee presents potential changes for discussion by all 32 owners, who can either vote on them or table them. McKay said Tuesday: "We do anticipate the topic being discussed." KICKING AROUND? The idea of toying with the extra point is not entirely new. John Mara, owner of the New York Giants and among the most influential members of the competition committee, says "it came up for brief discussion in past meetings, but no action was taken." It took the NFL years to come around on the 2-point conversion, which can be a pass or run play from the 2-yard line -- and under Goodells apparent preference, could be worth one point if the kick is eliminated. The 2-pointer existed in the old AFL from 1960-69, and college football has had it since 1958. But it was defeated several times in NFL owners votes before it passed in 1994 as part of a package of changes to help the offences. YEA AND NAY Coaches will hate any changes, particularly ones that would mean more decisions for them to make. They so rarely go for the 2-pointers until the fourth quarter, and are reluctant to do so then because, well, theres nothing automatic about those attempts. Indeed, less than half (33 of 69) worked in 2013. "I will say this: Since 2000, I believe, over 99 per cent of the extra points are made," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "Its almost a given that it is going to be made. Im sure that the competition committee will address it. As a coach you have to play how the rules are." Short-yardage backs such as All-Pro fullback Mike Tolbert of Carolina shouldnt mind the elimination of PAT kicks. Nor should running quarterbacks such as Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton, whose improvisational skills would be a huge advantage. Kickers? They probably will shrug and practice their field goals -- which is what they normally do regarding extra points anyway. WHO STAYS, AND WHY Rosters would get slight revamping, with teams likely keeping at least one power back active every week and having two on the roster. Often, those guys also play on special teams, so their presence wouldnt throw a lineup out of whack. PRACTICE WONT MAKE PERFECT Teams would work even more on their short-yardage packages, beginning in training camp. They would use their PAT offences in other situations on the field in games, too. While going for a fourth-and-2 near midfield is less rare than it once was, it might become all the more common when coaches know the more times they attempt such plays, the more seasoned their players will be when trying for the extra points. WILL IT HAPPEN? Its impossible to gauge the owners thinking, and a three-quarters majority is needed to pass any rules changes. "I know a lot of times when were at owner meetings, those things are brought up, and its great when youre in those meetings because you hear all the different opinions that are brought up with that," Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said. "Im sure there will be discussions about that. Im excited about hearing all those." Goodell doesnt get a vote. Then again, it sounds like he already has cast his. Jordan Reed Redskins Jersey . The Vikings announced Saturday they downgraded Peterson from doubtful on the original injury report to out against Detroit Sunday, when the Vikings and Lions will play the last game at the Metrodome. Perry Riley Redskins Jersey . The Lions traded their fifth overall pick in the 2014 CFL Draft to the Ottawa Redblacks for QB Kevin Glenn.LONDON -- Swedish hockey star Nicklas Backstrom will receive an Olympic silver medal even though he was suspended from the final in Sochi after a positive drug test. The International Olympic Committee ruled Friday that Backstrom had not intended to enhance his performance, laying the blame for his positive test for pseudoephedrine on the Swedish team doctor. The Washington Capitals centre was suspended and pulled from the team just hours before the Feb. 23 gold-medal game, which Sweden lost 3-0 to Canada. The Swedes were outraged by the timing of the decision and said it affected the teams performance. The IOC defended the suspension, saying it was "fully justified" because of the positive test and noting that Backstrom conceded also taking the allergy medication on the day of the final. But the IOC ruled that the player should not be kicked out of the Sochi Games altogether, citing "mitigating circumstances." "There was no indication of any intent of the athlete to improve his performance by taking a prohibited substance," the IOCs three-person disciplinary commission said. "As a consequence, the athlete is entitled to receive the silver medal and diploma awarded in respect of the mens ice hockey event." Backstrom tested positive for excess levels of pseudoephedrine after Swedens win over Slovenia in the quarter-finals on Feb. 19. He said the stimulant was contained in "Zytec-D," a medication he had been taking for allergies. The IOC said the positive result in the "A" sample was confirmed on the morning of Feb. Dexter Manley Redskins Jersey. 23. A hearing with Backstrom and Swedish team officials was quickly assembled. Among those attending was Bjorn Waldeback, the Swedish hockey team doctor and chief medical officer of the Swedish Olympic Committee. The IOC said Backstrom had "nothing to hide" and explained he had been taking the allergy medication regularly for seven years on the advice of a doctor and had never produced a positive test. He said he had taken the medication earlier that day. The IOC said Backstrom told the panel he knew the medication contained pseudoephedrine but relied on Waldebacks advice that the dosage would not trigger a positive test. Waldeback said he was "at fault" for that advice. Backstroms backup "B" sample was tested later on Feb. 23 and also came back positive. The IOC ruled that Backstrom committed an anti-doping violation by having the banned substance in his system. But the panel said he had been "open and co-operative," had disclosed the medication on his doping control form and had relied on Waldebacks advice. The IOC ruled that Waldeback "made a serious error" by telling Backstrom his use of the medication would not result in a positive test. If the doctor applies for Olympic accreditation in the future, the IOC should "seriously consider" his role in the case, the panel said. The IOC said the decision "should in no way" be seen as taking away from the responsibility of athletes to be vigilant and ensure that no prohibited substances enter their body. cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '
