Detroit Lions Preseason Opener: 5 Things to Watch For Against the Jets
By Zac Snyder
Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in a huddle during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Two Point Conversions
In an attempt to make the PAT a more exciting play, the NFL has adopted a change that was used experimentally last preseason of moving the extra point back to the 15-yard line. However, the ball will still be spotted at the two if a team decides to try a two-point play instead.
In making kicking the extra point a bit more difficult, the risk-reward between kicking for one or running a play for two shifts. As a result, we could see more teams opting to go for two. Jim Caldwell indicated this week that the Lions could go for two with regularity.
"I’m sure there’s going to be some teams we play against, and we may be one of them, that decide to go for two every single time. So with the point differential, you’re going to have to be good at that particular execution of the two-point play. So we’re going to work on it, and keep working on it, and we’ll do a little scheming too."
The preseason is a great time to experiment with strategies and situations because the stakes are so low. After re-signing Matt Prater in the offseason, the Lions don’t have a real kicker battle in camp despite the presence of rookie Kyle Brindza. If there was a kicker battle, as there was last season, seeing how each kicker handled the longer extra points may be of value.
With no battle for the kicking job this season, the Lions might as well go ahead with getting some game reps in going for two. Let’s hope for a lot of Lions touchdowns so we can get a good feel for how the Lions approach the PAT.
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