Greg Olsen Challenges NFL Kickoff Rules and Game Strategy

Chicago, IL – Former NFL player Greg Olsen is voicing strong opinions about the league’s new kickoff rules. As an analyst for Fox Sports, he argues these changes significantly impact how teams should view scoring opportunities, especially in red zone situations.

During a recent appearance on the SI Media podcast, Olsen expressed his frustration over the common advice to ‘take the points.’ He believes this mindset can lead to poor strategic decisions. His concerns were highlighted during a recent game in which the New York Giants opted for a field goal on the 1-yard line, rather than pushing for a touchdown.

With the Giants leading by seven early in the fourth quarter, they kicked a field goal to take a 10-point lead. Head coach Brian Daboll, who has since been fired, even declined a penalty that could have given them a first down inside the 1-yard line, settling for three points instead.

Olsen stated, ‘I hate the phrase ‘take the points.’ It doesn’t make sense to me.’ He suggested this thinking is outdated, especially since teams now start at the 35-yard line after a touchback. He pointed out that if teams prioritize field goals without considering the implications, they could end up conceding more favorable field positions to their opponents.

In a follow-up on The Ryen Russillo Show, he elaborated further, emphasizing the need for teams to aggressively pursue touchdowns, especially when achieving one could considerably hinder an opponent’s field advantage.

‘I wouldn’t say I hate field goals,’ he clarified, ‘but I think we have to think differently about how we score.’ He believes that the mathematical approach to scoring should evolve along with the rules of the game.

Olsen’s views reflect a shift in football strategy, suggesting that teams may need to adapt to new rules and analytics to remain competitive in today’s NFL.