Switzer Didn't Know The Free Kick Rules

[flippy]

How is that possible? Anyone else not know the rule? I knew it was a live ball, but when the Steelers didn't even try to get the ball, I have to admit, I thought for a second that they changed the rule and Switzer knew something I didn't.

Anyone else ever wonder why no one kicks off on a free kick vs punting? Either is an option, but on the free kick, there's no tee. I get that a punt will have more hang time and about 15 yards less return on average. However with some kicker's legs, I would think that some kickers can out kick those 15 yards.

It also got me thinking, if the NFL would allow punts in place of kickoffs, that could create an interesting dynamic. Punting from the 35, a punter could get hang time and pin the receiving team deep. Punting would also make for some interesting kicks if players were forced to field the punt or risk turnover. I imagine teams could do some interesting things with onside kicks if they had a punter. They could also probably punt to the 20-30 yard line and go for a jump ball which could be cool.

Whatever, I'm surprised Switzer didn't know the rule. But I'm also surprised no one else did either. And what was Nix doing calling for a fair catch anyway? That seemed to cause the whole series of events.

[Oviedo]

I didn't know the rule. Had no idea. Obviously quite few Steelers didn't know. That's on the Special Teams Coach for not ensuring they knew prior to going out.

[Northern_Blitz]

I also thought the rule changed when he didn't go for it.

But free kicks don't happen often, I'm not surprised players mess it up.

I would also think that there would be a coach on the sidelines telling them to at least fall on the ball because it's live.

I'm usually on the side of thinking that it's bad execution for players, but I think this is the case where the need to get coached up going onto the field.

At least it didn't cost us the game and we will know for next time.

I guess the execution argument is that if you call for a free catch, at least try to catch the damn ball.

[Ghost]

Even if you believe everyone on the return team understands the rules, as the Special Teams coach , how can you not get them all together for 20 seconds as soon as the safety occurs and remind them it's a live ball that the other team can recover it. That's lazy, bad coaching.

[Steelhere10]

I knew the rules and knew it was Browns ball. Every Steeler fan and players should know the rule because it happened last year against KC.

[Eich]

Even if you believe everyone on the return team understands the rules, as the Special Teams coach , how can you not get them all together for 20 seconds as soon as the safety occurs and remind them it's a live ball that the other team can recover it. That's lazy, bad coaching.

This. This is exactly what a coach on the sidelines is for on game day. Coaching fail. It's funny how no one on the Steelers seemed to know the rule but most of the Clowns did.

The bubblegum punisher should not be allowed to chew this week for his own punishment.

[K Train]

I thought it could have been live but i wasnt totally sure.

We all need to blame nix lol

[Buzz]

Even if you believe everyone on the return team understands the rules, as the Special Teams coach , how can you not get them all together for 20 seconds as soon as the safety occurs and remind them it's a live ball that the other team can recover it. That's lazy, bad coaching.

There's been too much lazy coaching, IMO. It may be that certain coaches on this staff feel more secure in their employment than they should.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Jeremy Fowler
ESPN Staff Writer

Ryan Switzer bought this sweatshirt before the Pittsburgh shootings, but he felt "there was no more important time" than to wear it Sunday at Heinz Field.

[Starlifter]

It was a bonehead play - but it was a fluke. Circumstances set the Steelers up to fail. First the ball is punted. That creates a mindset. Then Rosie calls for the fair catch and bails on it. Muscle memory takes over.

I forgot it was a live ball.

Dan fouts, hof qb didn’t know either. First he thought the Steelers pinned themselves. Then he thought the browns could have advanced it. Only a few plays later did he correct it after they researched it.

Just a wild crazy play that thankfully didn’t hurt us.

[Chucktownsteeler]

The Browns didn't know either. If they did they could have scored a TD on it. They just played to the whistle.

Somewhere Barry Foster is sitting and smiling.

[RuthlessBurgher]

The Browns didn't know either. If they did they could have scored a TD on it.

I don't believe the recovering team is allowed to advance the kick.

[Chucktownsteeler]

Good point, the announcer said the Browns could have scored. Who knows??

[Northern_Blitz]

Jeremy Fowler
ESPN Staff Writer

Ryan Switzer bought this sweatshirt before the Pittsburgh shootings, but he felt "there was no more important time" than to wear it Sunday at Heinz Field.

Great shirt and a good call to wear it yesterday.

[Starlifter]

I don't believe the recovering team is allowed to advance the kick.

This appears to be correct. Just an obscure rule that no one is familiar with. Crazy play for sure.