Bill Belichick Wants Rule Changes That Hurt Football

According to Yahoo Sports, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wants the NFL to make even more adjustments to rules of play. While the coach known for wearing a tattered hooded sweatshirt to games is viewed by some as an eccentric, perhaps Belichick is beginning to show signs of losing his mind.

When asked about the new NFL rule that puts kicker back at the 35-yard line to kick the ball off, the coach went on a tangent that strayed well beyond the question. Belichick said:

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"Philosophically, plays that are non-plays shouldn't be in the game. I don't think it is good for the game. Extra points, when the odds are 99 percent range in extra points it is not a play. Let's move the ball back to the 15-20 yard line and not make it a tap in. Let them kick it. Same thing with the kickoff return, if you're just going to put the ball on the 20, put the ball on the 20."

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With tons of games decided by the conversion of an extra point throughout NFL history, one has to question if Belichick is truly this historical fanatic he has long been purported of being. The fact is, 99 percent is not reason to change the rule and get rid of the extra point conversion. Especially with the fact the NFL also allows the two-point conversion.

His idea of moving the extra point attempt back might have followers, but all it would do is hurt the game. The idea of this play is to be almost a gimme for the scoring team, making the defense having to work even harder to stop it than they would on a 35-yard attempt.

NFL legends like Matt Blair and Hall of Fame player Ted Hendricks made a living blocking kicks. It is not supposed to be an easy feat, especially on an extra point. Belichick's idea would water down this type of accomplishment immensely.

Bellichick's idea of eliminating this kickoff is just as damaging. While the NFL states they moved the spot back to reduce head injuries, there have been returns made during the 2011 preseason so far.

The NFL has conditioned their players over the years when they moved the kickoff to the 30-yard before the 1994 season. Kickers, now given five extra yards this year, will surely send many kicks sailing through the end zone with no return.

But not every kickoff is a touchback.

Perhaps Belichick's tune on this area would change if Devin Hester were a member of his team? The kickoff return for a score is one of the more exciting plays in pro football, and the San Diego Chargers Bryan Walters proved the play still exist after taking a ball 103 yards for a score in the first week of preseason.

The biggest problem with the NFL today is how there are too many rule changes that basically castrate the defensive side of the ball. Trying to block an extra point or prevent a long kickoff return are two of a very few things an NFL defense is allowed to do these days.

It would behoove Belichick to zip up his hoodie along with his mouth. The last thing the game needs today is another blowhard egomaniac trying to toss his weight around for his own amusement at the expense of professional football.