In American football, every touchdown scored represents a climactic moment in the game—often sending crowds into a frenzy and sparking celebrations on the field. However, the immediate aftermath of the touchdown is an equally critical moment for teams as they must execute a post-touchdown attempt to add to their score. Though it may seem like a routine play, this moment can dramatically affect the outcome of the game. A single point or two may ultimately define victory or defeat, making post-touchdown strategies a vital component of football strategy. This article will explore the different types of post-touchdown attempts, the strategies behind each, and their impact on the game.
Types of Post-Touchdown Attempts
After a touchdown, teams have two options to increase their score: the extra point kick or a two-point conversion attempt. Each option offers a different risk-to-reward ratio, and the decision is often based on the game’s context, the score, and the team’s strengths.
1. Extra Point (Point After Touchdown or PAT)
The most common post-touchdown option is the extra point kick, which is often referred to as the Point After Touchdown (PAT). After scoring a touchdown, the offensive team lines up to attempt a short field goal from the 15-yard line. If the kick is successful, the team adds one point to their score. The simplicity of this option explains its popularity.
Kickers in professional leagues, like the NFL, are highly skilled, and as a result, the PAT is considered a near-automatic play. According to statistics, the PAT conversion rate in the NFL is well over 90%, making it the “safe” choice. However, even though it’s a high-probability play, factors like weather conditions, snap timing, or pressure on the kicker can lead to occasional misses.
The extra point also introduces special teams play into the game, which, though typically less visible than offensive and defensive units, can have a significant impact. A blocked PAT or a failed snap can be catastrophic, not only because it results in a missed point but also because the defense can return the ball for two points in many leagues, including the NFL.
2. Two-Point Conversion
The second post-touchdown option is the two-point conversion. Instead of kicking the ball, the offense lines up at the two-yard line and attempts to score a touchdown in a single play. If they succeed in crossing the goal line, they earn two points instead of the one they would have gotten from a PAT.
The two-point conversion is a higher-risk, higher-reward play. The success rate of two-point conversions in professional football hovers around 45% to 50%. This is significantly lower than the PAT, but the potential for gaining two points makes it a viable option in specific situations.
Teams typically opt for a two-point conversion when the additional point could provide a strategic advantage, such as reducing a point deficit to one score or when they are in desperate need of points late in the game. While it’s more commonly used in high-stakes moments, the two-point conversion can also be deployed as a surprise tactic early in the game to gain a psychological edge over the opponent.
Factors Influencing Post-Touchdown Decisions
Coaches must weigh several factors when deciding whether to attempt a PAT or a two-point conversion. The decision is rarely made in isolation and often depends on the specific context of the game. Here are some key considerations:
1. Game Score and Time Remaining
One of the most important factors influencing a team’s decision is the score and time left in the game. If a team is trailing by an awkward number of points, such as five or eleven, going for a two-point conversion might make sense to either tie the game or reduce the deficit to a more manageable margin. Conversely, a team that’s already ahead may opt for the PAT to extend their lead without risking a failed two-point attempt.
The timing of the game also matters. Late in the game, especially in the fourth quarter, coaches are more likely to gamble with a two-point attempt if it could help them either tie the game or pull ahead. However, early in the game, the more conservative approach is generally to take the PAT, as there are still plenty of opportunities to score.
2. Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Teams with strong running games or versatile quarterbacks might be more inclined to attempt two-point conversions because they have more options for gaining the two yards needed. Mobile quarterbacks who can scramble, or teams with creative play designs, can keep defenses guessing, increasing the likelihood of success. For example, teams like the Baltimore Ravens, with quarterback Lamar Jackson, or the Kansas City Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes, are more likely to attempt two-point conversions due to their quarterbacks’ ability to make plays with both their arms and legs.
On the flip side, teams with an elite kicker are more likely to trust their special teams unit to secure the extra point, especially if they have a reliable kicker who can perform under pressure. Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens, for example, is considered one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. Teams with kickers of this caliber are less likely to take unnecessary risks with two-point conversions.
3. Defensive Strength of the Opponent
The defensive strength of the opposing team can also influence the decision. If the defense has been dominant, stopping the offense throughout the game, attempting a two-point conversion could be seen as too risky. In contrast, if the defense is struggling or appears to be worn out, coaches might take the opportunity to strike and gain an additional point.
Teams also take into account the opponent’s performance in defending two-point conversion attempts specifically. Some defenses are particularly vulnerable to specific types of plays, such as quarterback options or goal-line fade routes. Offensive coordinators study these tendencies closely and may call a two-point conversion if they believe they can exploit a defensive weakness.
4. Weather Conditions
Weather can play a huge role in post-touchdown decisions. Rain, wind, or snow can negatively affect a kicker’s ability to make a successful PAT. Strong winds, for instance, can push a kicked ball off its course, while wet or slippery conditions can make it harder for the kicker to plant their foot firmly before the kick. In such cases, teams may opt for a two-point conversion instead, especially if the conditions make the kicking game unreliable.
5. Momentum and Psychological Factors
Football is a game of momentum, and sometimes, the decision to go for a two-point conversion is less about statistics and more about shifting the psychological dynamics of the game. A successful two-point conversion can energize a team, deflate an opponent, and get the crowd involved. Coaches with an aggressive mindset, like Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos or Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars, often make decisions that reflect this understanding of momentum.
Conversely, a failed two-point conversion can have the opposite effect. Missing out on two points when the PAT would have been nearly guaranteed can demoralize a team, giving the opponent a psychological boost. For this reason, many coaches remain conservative, sticking with the PAT unless absolutely necessary.
Special Situations: The “Chasing Points” Dilemma
A common phrase in football is “chasing points,” which refers to a team that starts going for two-point conversions too early or too often in an attempt to catch up. While it may seem logical to try to maximize scoring opportunities, chasing points can backfire if unsuccessful attempts leave the team further behind on the scoreboard.
Coaches must be cautious about when and how often they attempt two-point conversions, especially in situations where multiple touchdowns are needed. Consistently failing at two-point attempts can add undue pressure and force the team into a position where they need multiple scores instead of just one or two. This is why many teams choose to reserve two-point attempts for later in the game when the score and time remaining make it a more calculated risk.
Special Teams: Unsung Heroes of the Post-Touchdown Play
While offensive and defensive units often get the majority of attention in football, special teams play a critical role in post-touchdown attempts. A team’s kicking unit, snapper, holder, and kicker must execute flawlessly for a successful PAT. Even the slightest mistake, such as a high snap or a poor hold, can result in a missed kick.
Likewise, special teams play is essential for defending two-point conversions. Defenses must be prepared for a variety of offensive formations and play calls, from power runs to trick plays, and must remain disciplined at the goal line. A well-executed defensive stop on a two-point conversion can completely shift the momentum of a game.
Conclusion: The Hidden Impact of Post-Touchdown Attempts
Post-touchdown attempts may only add one or two points to the scoreboard, but their impact on the game is far greater than the numbers suggest. A well-timed two-point conversion can swing the outcome of a game, while a missed extra point can come back to haunt a team in the final minutes.
