We want more laterals!!!

[Bing69]

Bit of a fun thread this, just wondering why dont we see more laterals in nfl games? I mean ive seen plenty of 2 on 1s near the endzone with the offensive player getting tackled. Why just pop the ball out to your team mate and score the touchdown? Most classic example i can think of is the Randy Moss one for the Vikings, that was sweet. Are players just too selfish?

[Nick]

I would imagine most coaches preach ball security. An unplanned lateral puts the ball at risk and could result in a turnover. If the guy you're pitching it to doesn't sense it coming or can't react quick enough, then the ball is on the ground and is up for grabs.

[r8rh8rmike]

NFL football is not rugby. Players tossing the ball to each other in a spontaneous way is a disaster waiting to happen, especially close to the goal line. It's also a good way for a player to get benched. Selfish.... no, self-preservation.... yes.

By the way, welcome Bing69.

[RockinRam]

Laterals stay in college football.

[jmk321]

Laterals result in turnovers. Just look at 2006 BCS national title game where Reggie Bush attempted that lateral after a big play to make an even bigger play. It resulted in a big turnover that was a big turning point in the game. The risk does not equal the reward. The play may be a surprise to the defense but it also is a big surprise to the offensive player that the ball is being lateraled to.

[Goldenfleece]

Two reasons:

1) A lateral is essentially a targeted fumble. So the turnover issue is a problem, as others have stated.

2) If you're not actually throwing it behind you, there's a chance you could get penalized for an illegal forward pass, which would wipe out the big gain altogether.

[ramsanddodgers]

fumbles, illegal forward pass potentials, and why pad someone Else's stats?

[Bing69]

all fair points, maybe im just stuck in the rugby way of things! defo would make it more fun tho

thanks r8rh8rmike