XFL: Is the New League Teaching the NFL Already?

The XFL is back and better than ever. No, this isn’t a promo paid for by the league. The debut of the once defunct league owned and operated by WWE owner Vince McMahon kicked off week 1 action on Saturday and actually resembled a legit football league. Gone are the gimmick names on the back of jerseys and “extreme” football antics of the old league. This time the XFL doesn’t seem like a semi-pro league that a former NFL star backed.

Just two games in and the NFL needs to stand up and take notice. Not at the level of play. Nor should they watch their back in terms of popularity. However, right now the XFL is proving there’s a more modern form of football to be played. First, off the rules the NFL needs to adopt:

Kickoffs

The NFL has had an issue with the kickoffs. There’s been rules and regulations to add to the safety on kickoffs including eliminating them altogether. So far, the XFL has proven that they can still be a part of the game and be interesting. Players are lined up five yards apart and cannot move until the receiving team comes into contact with the football.

Gone are the days of players getting a 40-yard head start and smacking into each other. Instead, they line up in a fashion that isn’t too far off from lining up at the line of scrimmage. At one point during the games yesterday, the returner muffed a kick picked it up, and almost returned it for a touchdown. The kickoff element of the game definitely still has the excitement of the NFL alternative.

Point After Attempts

The NFL is still in the stone ages when it comes to extra points. Just recently they moved the point after attempt from a short chip shot to a 33-yard attempt, and kickers are still hitting upwards of 93% of their attempts. It is hands down one of the most boring and time-wasting plays in the history of football. At this point, touchdowns might as well just be 7 points on the scoreboard.

More Football: NFL: Add More Teams, Not Another Game

With the XFL, it’s less of a given. Teams can try for 1 point from the 2-yard line, 2 points from the 5-yard line, or 3 points from the 10-yard line. Each requires teams to actually run a play, and defend one. There are no given points anymore, you actually have to earn them. More often than not, the extra point tries were not converted. What seemed like the most gimmicky part of the new league, actually ended up being one of the exciting parts.

Multiple times in Saturday’s games the defense ended up with a turnover on PAT attempts. In the XFL, if the defense returns them for a touchdown, they’re awarded the points the offense was going for.

The NFL might not have to watch it’s back just yet, but right now the XFL could gain some steam. If traditional football can’t shake up the teams always on top, fix their officiating woes, and figure out just what the hell a catch is more and more fans might make the jump. As it stands, the XFL is already putting its stamp on American football.