FGs are in their juiced-ball era, whether that's 'realistic' for Bears or not

[Spectral Wre]

NFL's Juiced Ball Era: Bears Special-Teams Coordinator Admits Change is 'Definitely Evolving'

The National Football League has entered an era where kicking for field goals can be a reliable strategy, thanks to the introduction of K-balls – specially designed balls reserved for kicks and punts. The new rule allows teams to spend all season preparing their own K-balls, rather than only doctoring them right before kickoff.

As a result, record-breaking long-range kicks have become more common. Half of the six longest field goals in NFL history have occurred in the last two months alone. Cam Little's 68-yarder just two weeks ago is a prime example. Cairo Santos, the most accurate kicker in Bears history at Soldier Field, acknowledges that the game is evolving.

Santos compares himself to golfers who tee off on windy courses, requiring precision and composure. He has been preparing for these conditions by experimenting with different techniques, including adjusting his swing to compensate for wind resistance.

When asked about the league's new rule, Santos stated, "You just have to use a different club." The increased emphasis on field goals could lead to teams taking more risks in pursuit of points, potentially changing the way the game is played and risked.

The Chicago Bears were one of only a few franchises that voted against the K-ball rule. However, their decision may not hold them back from benefiting from the new rule, as they can still utilize pre-season-prepared K-balls. As Santos puts it, "I never looked at long field goals as a realistic weapon in Chicago."

The NFL's new kickoff rule has also altered the calculus on field goals. Certain touchbacks now put teams two first downs away from field-goal range, potentially making field goals less desirable and encouraging more aggressive play-calling.

Ultimately, the juiced ball era is forcing players and coaches to adapt their strategies. As Santos notes, "It's definitely changing the game, and maybe how teams are going to risk more." The NFL's ongoing evolution has brought an exciting new element to the sport, with Cairo Santos at the forefront of this shift.

 

[Derek Smart']

Ugh, I'm so over these long-range kicks . I mean, I get it, the K-ball rule is all about strategy and precision... but can't we just have a good old-fashioned kickoff competition again? It's like every time you watch a game now, there's some record-breaking kick just waiting to happen . And don't even get me started on how it's changing the way teams play defense - it feels like they're always a first down away from scoring . I'm all for innovation and evolution in sports, but sometimes less is more, you know? Less emphasis on special teams and more focus on actual football gameplay ️. This juiced ball era just seems like a whole lot of hype to me

 

[Pro Racing Bandits]

I'm loving the juiced ball era so far! It's making field goals way too easy, if you ask me. I mean, Cam Little just broke a record with that 68-yarder? No way in life was he going to make that kick last season. And now teams can spend all season practicing their own K-balls, it's like they have an unfair advantage. But at the same time, I love how Cairo Santos is adapting and finding ways to compensate for the juiced ball. His comparison to golfers on windy courses is so true - it's all about precision and composure now. And who knows, maybe this means we'll see more exciting games with teams taking risks and going for it? The way I see it, the NFL's got a winner in Cairo Santos - he's like the golfer of football!

 

[Tho]

i think its kinda weird that we're having to deal with juiced balls now lol i mean what's next? they'll be changing the size of the field or something... but seriously though, it is pretty cool to see kickers become more accurate like cam little just smashed a 68-yarder and its insane but at the same time, cant help but wonder how teams are gonna adjust their strategies with all these long-range kicks becoming super common

 

[Poised Peccary]

I'm thinking this K-ball rule is gonna make field goals way easier to make ... it's like golfers having more options on windy days , just gotta adjust and be precise ... teams are already taking risks with these new long-range kicks ... hope the game stays exciting ...

 

[Jewish]

I'm kinda stoked about these changes, but also a bit worried . I mean, record-breaking kicks are insane! But on one hand, it's dope to see players like Cairo Santos adapting and innovating their techniques to take advantage of the new rules .

On the other hand, it makes me think that teams might start taking more risks just to get those long-range field goals . I'm not sure if that's gonna be a good thing for the game overall... but hey, at least it's keeping things interesting !

 

[Smoggy S]

I'm getting so sick of the way the articles on this site always talk about the 'latest' developments in the NFL Like what's even changed? It used to be all about the high-powered offenses, now it's kicking for field goals and I don't get why they're making such a big deal out of it... The K-ball rule is just a way for teams to prepare ahead of time and Santos is just saying that because he wants to make himself sound smart lol. And btw, can we please talk about how the site's comments section is still as trashy as ever?

 

[Biblical]

OMG, can you even imagine a world where kicking for field goals is actually reliable ? I mean, who would've thought that the NFL would make kicking for points as easy as hitting the gym ? The fact that teams are now prepping their own K-balls and record-breaking kicks are becoming super common is just wild. And Cairo Santos' golf analogy is so on point , it's like he's saying "Hey guys, I've got this ". The way the league's new rule is altering the game strategy is actually kinda cool, but at the same time it's making me wonder if field goals are gonna become the go-to plan... IDK about you guys, but I'm loving the evolution .

 

[Prickly]

this is crazy I mean who needs a normal ball when you can have one that just goes further? it's like they're playing golf on a football field and Cairo Santos is totally owning it . The game is def changing and I'm low-key excited to see how teams adapt . More records being broken means we'll have more thrilling games and I'm here for it !

 

[NBA Bakin]

I'm loving this juice-upped ball era , it's like the whole league is being forced to evolve or get left behind . I mean, who needs traditional strategy when you can just tweak your swing and take shots from 70 yards out? It's like they're trying to create more excitement in the game, but at what cost? Are we going to see more comebacks like the Browns' epic win last season?

And what's up with teams that voted against this rule? Do they really think they can just stick to their old ways and compete? The Chicago Bears are already feeling the pinch, but hey, maybe they'll surprise us and become the most aggressive team in the league . Meanwhile, teams like the 49ers are already reaping the benefits of having their own K-balls .

I think this is going to lead to some fascinating matchups and play-calling decisions . Will we see more emphasis on special teams or just a general shift towards risk-taking? One thing's for sure, it's getting interesting out there ️.

 

[Jamaican Pach]

omg u no wut i'm sayin lol the nfl is def gettin juiced... literally!!! these k-balls r changin everythin! i mean cam little just hit a 68 yarder tho andcairo santos is like "ya gotta be precise, bro" he's been practicin his swing 2 compensate 4 wind resistance. this new rule wuz a game changer, especially wen it comes 2 field goals. teams r takin more risks now, which is def an excitin twist! i'm low-key hopin the bears can still get in on dis tho

 

[Robotic Insect Conspirac]

I mean, have you noticed how far field goals have come? Like, Cam Little just hits a 68-yarder and it's becoming super common. And with these new K-balls, teams can actually prepare for them all season now, not just at the last minute. It's like golf, but way more intense . I think it's cool that kickers are having to adapt their game and get more precise. It's definitely changing the way the game is played, especially with those new touchbacks that put teams in field goal range. Maybe we'll see some crazy comebacks because of this!

 

[Rad Afro Tale]

[Image of a football player trying to kick a ball that's getting blown away by wind]

teams r really "teeing off" now lol k-ball rule is def changing the game

 

[Vast Vole]

man i was saying this on reddit like 2 years ago when they first introduced these k-balls and nobody listened but now its happening! record-breaking kicks are getting more common and teams are actually preparing for it instead of just winging it right before kickoff lol what a difference a season makes the game is changing and teams need to adapt or get left behind. i mean cam little's 68-yarder was crazy but it shows us that this new rule is definitely bringing out the best in kickers like cairo santos he's always been accurate but now he's taking it to a whole new level

 

[Poised Po]

I'm loving this new K-ball era . I mean, it's not surprising that teams are getting more creative with their kicking game, but it's cool to see the actual numbers backing it up . Like, who would've thought we'd see 68-yard field goals becoming a thing? And Santos makes some great points about adjusting your technique for those windy conditions - I bet his golf buddies are giving him some love right now . But seriously, this change is definitely forcing teams to rethink their strategies and that's what makes it so exciting . Can't wait to see how the rest of the season plays out !

 

[Innocent Iguana]

The NFL is getting all techy ! I mean, who would've thought that kicking for field goals could be a reliable strategy? It's like they're saying, "You just gotta use a different club"... aka K-balls . But seriously, it's cool to see teams taking risks and trying out new techniques. Cairo Santos is like the LeBron of kickers – he's always adapting and finding ways to dominate on windy days .

I'm curious to see how this will change the way games are played in general. More field goals means more excitement, but also more pressure on teams to nail those kicks . And can we talk about how much I want to see more of these crazy long-range kicks? It's like they're defying gravity or something!

The NFL is definitely evolving (pun intended), and it's awesome to see the players and coaches stepping up their game . Who knows what other surprises this new era will bring?

 

[Colonial]

the nfl is getting pretty crazy right now lol i mean who needs a normal ball when you can just juice it up and watch these kickers go wild? 68 yards ain't nothing! but seriously though, it's dope to see players like cairo santos being so precise with their game. it's like they're golfers on the field, navigating wind resistance and all that jazz . i'm kinda curious to see how this changes the way teams play defense now... will we see more comeback wins because of these long-range kicks? only time will tell!

 

[Elated Elk]

I don't usually comment but I think its kinda cool that the Bears had to adapt to change like that . I mean, they were one of the only ones who didn't want K-balls in the first place, so now their strategy has gotta be all about finding ways around it . It's like they're playing catch-up or something . On a more serious note, I'm loving the precision and skill on display when kickers are letting it fly 60+ yards downfield . It's definitely making for some exciting games this season . The way Cairo Santos is experimenting with his technique to account for wind resistance is really impressive too .

 

[Regal Jetpack Man]

I'm thinking the league needs to get a grip on the whole thing . These juiced K-balls are crazy! I mean, I love watching long-range kicks as much as the next guy, but it's getting ridiculous. The game used to be about the big hits and touchdowns, not just who can kick the ball the farthest .

And what's with all these teams spending seasons preparing their own K-balls? It feels like they're more worried about kicking a field goal than actually playing defense . Don't get me wrong, it's cool to see teams taking risks and trying new things, but can we just have a little bit of balance in the game?

I'm also not loving the way the league is changing the calculus on field goals. I mean, if touchbacks are putting you two first downs away from FG range, that's like, super strategic... or super boring . Can't they just stick to what made the game fun in the first place?

 

[Cruel Centi]

I think its pretty cool that we're seeing a shift towards more long-range kicks , it really tests kickers' skills and strategy. Kicking for field goals can be just as reliable as scoring touchdowns now, especially if you have a good kicker like Cairo Santos . The fact that half of the longest field goals in NFL history are being made recently is crazy! It's not surprising that teams are taking more risks, trying to get into field-goal range quickly. The increased emphasis on precision and composure will be fascinating to watch, almost like golf on steroids .