What is a PAT in Football? And Why Do We Even Bother Counting Points?

What is a PAT in Football? And Why Do We Even Bother Counting Points?

Football, a sport that combines strategy, athleticism, and a dash of chaos, has a scoring system that can sometimes feel as complex as quantum physics. One of the most fundamental yet often misunderstood aspects of this system is the PAT, or Point After Touchdown. But what exactly is a PAT, and why does it hold such a peculiar place in the game? Let’s dive into the intricacies of this seemingly simple play and explore its significance, evolution, and even its philosophical implications.

The Basics: What is a PAT?

A PAT stands for Point After Touchdown, and it’s the opportunity a team gets to score additional points immediately after scoring a touchdown. In the NFL and most football leagues, a touchdown is worth 6 points, and the PAT allows the scoring team to add 1 or 2 more points, depending on how they choose to execute the play.

There are two primary ways to attempt a PAT:

  1. Kick the Ball Through the Uprights (1 Point): This is the traditional method, where the team lines up for a short field goal attempt from the 15-yard line (in the NFL). The kicker must send the ball through the uprights to earn 1 point.
  2. Run or Pass the Ball into the End Zone (2 Points): Alternatively, the team can opt for a 2-point conversion, where they attempt to score from the 2-yard line (in the NFL) by running or passing the ball into the end zone. This is riskier but offers a higher reward.

The Evolution of the PAT

The PAT has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the sport’s evolving strategies and priorities. Originally, the PAT was almost a guaranteed point, with kickers successfully converting over 99% of attempts. This led to criticism that the play was too predictable and lacked excitement.

In 2015, the NFL decided to spice things up by moving the kick attempt back to the 15-yard line, making it a 33-yard kick instead of the previous 20-yard attempt. This change increased the difficulty slightly, reducing the success rate to around 94%. While still high, it introduced an element of unpredictability that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Strategic Importance of the PAT

While the PAT might seem like a mere formality, it plays a crucial role in the strategic landscape of football. Coaches must weigh the risks and rewards of opting for a 1-point kick versus a 2-point conversion. Here’s why:

  1. Game Context Matters: In a close game, every point counts. A failed 2-point conversion could mean the difference between a win and a loss. Conversely, a successful 2-point attempt could shift momentum and put pressure on the opposing team.
  2. Kicker Reliability: Teams with elite kickers might prefer the safer 1-point option, while teams with strong offensive units might gamble on the 2-point conversion.
  3. Psychological Impact: A successful 2-point conversion can demoralize the opposing defense, while a missed PAT can energize them.

The Philosophical Angle: Why Do We Even Bother Counting Points?

Football is a game of numbers, and the PAT is a microcosm of this obsession with quantification. But why do we place so much emphasis on points? Is it merely a way to determine a winner, or does it reflect a deeper human need to measure success?

Some might argue that the PAT is a relic of a bygone era, a vestigial appendage in a sport that has otherwise evolved dramatically. Others see it as a necessary evil, a way to balance the scales between offense and defense. And then there are those who view the PAT as a metaphor for life itself—a small, seemingly insignificant moment that can have profound consequences.

The Future of the PAT

As football continues to evolve, so too might the PAT. Some have proposed eliminating the 1-point option altogether, forcing teams to go for 2-point conversions every time. Others have suggested making the kick even more challenging or introducing new scoring options, such as a 3-point conversion from midfield (okay, maybe that’s a stretch).

Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: the PAT will remain a topic of debate, discussion, and occasional bewilderment for fans and analysts alike.

  1. Why is the PAT kick from the 15-yard line?
    The NFL moved the kick back to the 15-yard line in 2015 to increase the difficulty and make the play more exciting.

  2. What’s the success rate of 2-point conversions?
    Historically, 2-point conversions have a success rate of around 47-50%, making them a riskier but potentially more rewarding option.

  3. Has anyone ever scored a 1-point safety?
    Yes, a 1-point safety is possible but extremely rare. It occurs when the defense scores a safety during a PAT attempt.

  4. Can a team score more than 2 points on a PAT?
    No, the maximum points a team can score on a PAT is 2, either through a successful 2-point conversion or a 1-point kick.

  5. Why don’t teams always go for 2 points?
    The lower success rate of 2-point conversions makes them a less reliable option, especially in close games where every point matters.