PHOENIX (AP) – The NFL is taking its extra-point experiment to the Pro Bowl.
The league has looked into making point-after kicks more difficult as kickers have become almost automatic from the short distance. The NFL moved kickers back for extra-point tries during the preseason and will try it again during Sunday’s Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium, this time with the added difficulty of trying to kick through narrower uprights.
The uprights will be at the standard 18.6 feet for field goal attempts, but will be squeezed down to 14 feet on extra points. The kick also will be moved back from the 2-yard line to the 15, essentially making it a 33 1/2-yard field goal.
“We’re talking about the best of the best kickers, so we’re bringing that (the kick) back after a touchdown,” NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said during a Pro Bowl news conference Tuesday.
“These guys are almost perfect during the regular season, but this will allow us to see just how skilled the kicker position has become.”