The AAF is utilizing some rules that differ from the NFL, including how kickoffs and onside kicks are attempted. There are no kickoffs; teams start with the ball at the 25. Since there are no kickoffs, there are also no onside kicks. However, they have a rule that allows teams the chance to go for an onside conversion under circumstances. If a team is down by 17 or more points, or trailing with five or fewer minutes left in the game, they can attempt an onside conversion following a touchdown with a 4th-and-12 play from their 28-yard line.
The Atlanta Legends went for one of these onside conversion attempts during their game against the Birmingham Iron on Sunday. They were able to convert thanks to a long pass play:
No onside kicks in the AAF.
Instead….Convert from 4th & 12 to try and save the game. pic.twitter.com/fQBtDmKXwj
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 25, 2019
Atlanta still lost the game 28-12, but that was one heck of a way to try and close the margin.
Traditional onside kicks are fun plays, and so is this one. The big change from the AAF that I love is forcing teams to attempt 2-point conversions after touchdowns rather than extra points. And in case you missed it, Trent Richardson has been a touchdown machine for the Iron.
