When I played High School football a long time ago, I seem remember the rule was something like only the two players on the ends could go down field when the ball was snapped; everyone else had to wait until the punted ball crossed the line of scrimage. I remember our coaches telling everyone else that rather then looking for the ball to cross the line of scrimage, to just count 1 Mississippi....2 Mississippi after the ball was snapped before going down field.

For a long time now I've noticed many more players are going down field when the ball is snapped. The punt return certainly has changed; it used to be the returner usually had some time to catch the ball and make of move; now it seems like every punt the returner is just swamped before he even catches the ball.

Just wondering if anyone knew the rule. Also, was it once upon a time that the norm was to have two guys back for the return? Maybe I'm mis-remembering this....LOL.

Rule change this year.

Used to be only the two gunners could release when the ball was snapped, everyone else had to wait until the ball was punted.

Now everyone can release on the snap.

(10-06-2012 04:26 PM)OrangeXtreme Wrote:  Rule change this year.

This year? I've been seeing this for a few years now at least.