Raiders one of two teams to oppose new PAT rule

The NFL competition committee introduced a new rule at the owner's meetings this week. Extra point attempts will now be backed up to the 15-yard line, making them the equivalent of a 33-yard field goal attempt (formerly a 20-yard attempt). And blocked attempts will be returnable for two points.

There had been discussions about eliminating the extra point altogether, giving teams the option of taking the point or going for two, but they decided this was a better option. It will be given a trial run this season and be revisited next offseason to decide if they want to make the rule permanent.

Among the 32 teams, 30 of them approved the new rule. Oakland and Washington were the only two teams to oppose the new rule. Why they opposed the rule is unknown.

If you're wondering which teams, if any, receive an advantage from the new rule, it would most likely be teams in cold weather, open air stadiums. There is a rise in missed field goals from short range by visiting teams in snowy weather or with winds exceeding 15 miles per hour.

As for Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski, he is 151 of 158 (95.6%) on field goals from 33 yards or closer in his career, according to the team's official page. He didn't miss inside 40 yards last season on seven attempts. His career PAT conversion rate is 99.4%.

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