Extra Point Changes Could Be Coming in 2015

It's the dullest play in football, the one when viewers head for the fridge, fans in the stands head for the concessions. Even some of the players don't pay attention when the extra point is being tried.

The NFL's answer: Spice it up.

Yes, the extra point appears headed for some changes, perhaps significant ones, for the 2015 season. Those changes likely will come in May when the owners have their next major meetings.

"There's a clear movement to wanting to change and change it this year," said Rich McKay, co-chairman of the competition committee and president of the Falcons.

But there were so many suggestions by teams that the owners tabled any decisions for two months. McKay's committee will "develop alternatives and be ready for a potential vote" in San Francisco.

Those meetings will have a heavy California feel not just because of the venue.

Relocating one or even two teams to Los Angeles is a hot topic that will gather momentum in the next few weeks. The three clubs interested in moving to LA - the Rams, Raiders and Chargers - are expected to contact Commissioner Roger Goodell's office by late April with stadium information.

Goodell noted the league "wants to succeed long term" in LA, so "right now the focus is on the process and also understanding what it takes to be successful in the LA market."

Long before a club lands in the City of Angels, the extra point seems destined to undergo change.

Among the possibilities are moving the line of scrimmage back for PAT kicks; placing the ball on the 1 1/2-yard line for a 2-point conversion; eliminating the PAT kicks entirely and requiring teams to run a play from scrimmage; and allowing the defense to score, as in college football, if the ball is turned over on a 2-point try.

McKay described the discussions as "lively, with lots of ideas ... it's time to make this a football play."

"A couple coaches said they favor just lining up on the 2 and going for the 2-point play," he said. "Or move the ball to the 1 1/2 for two points, or kick from the 15 for one, your choice."

The league experimented with extra-point kicks from a longer distance last preseason.

Currently, the line of scrimmage for both an extra point and 2-point conversion try is the 2-yard line.

Voted down as the meetings concluded was Chicago's proposal that each team get a possession in overtime regardless of what happens on the first series.

Now, if the side receiving the OT kickoff scores a touchdown, the game ends. If it kicks a field goal, the opponent gets a possession.

Unsportsmanlike penalties handed out at the end of a half now will carry over, either to the second half or to overtime.

Lining up players with eligible numbers at ineligible positions, as New England did against Baltimore in the playoffs, now has more specific guidelines. Those players must line up inside the tackle box.

The owners also approved allowing teams with retractable domes to open them at halftime, weather permitting, and allowing linebackers to wear numbers from 40-49. Previously they could wear only numbers in the 50s and 90s.

Goodell spoke briefly about two high-profile personal conduct cases in which both players, Greg Hardy and Adrian Peterson, remain on the exempt list.

The league continues to review Hardy's case to determine if discipline is warranted. He signed earlier this month with Dallas.

Goodell said the date for Peterson's suspension to end remains April 15. The Vikings running back had the ban overturned by appeal, a decision the NFL now is appealing itself.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.