10.20.2010

NBD - This Whole Fucking Return TD Mess

The NBD e-mail chain exploded today with vicious argument over how return touchdowns should be counted. Somehow, in like 8 years of fantasizing, we haven't yet resolved this issue. Please take a look at the following options and cast a vote for next year in the Comments. For Bifflers who enjoy lurking on the NBD posts, please refrain from commenting, as this is already kind of messy.

Option A: Defense/Special Teams and Offensive Players should both get 6 points when a kickoff or punt is returned for a touchdown.
For: When a kick is returned for a touchdown, it has just as much to do with the blocking as it does with the returner; both should get credit. This is no different from a passer and receiver both getting points for a passing touchdown. Additionally, this is how we've always done it in NBD.
Against: Giving points twice for the same touchdown is double-dipping and makes no sense. Granted, we give credit twice for a touchdown through the air, but there are legitimately two statistics there: a passing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. In a return touchdown, only one guy is actually scoring, even if his wedge really helped. This system is analogous to drafting an "Offense" position and then giving the Tennessee Offense points every time Chris Johnson scores.

Option B: Only the Defense/Special Teams should get 6 points when a kickoff or punt is returned for a touchdown.
For: The reasons cited in Option A "Against." The D/ST should get credit because this ensures that every return touchdown scored, whether it be by a normally offensive player or a defensive back who returns kicks, is counted in some way in fantasy. When a returner takes one to the house, he is acting as part of a Special Teams unit, which we consider a single entity in fantasy.
Against: The reasons cited in Option A "For" and Option C "For."

Option C: Only the Offensive Player should get 6 points when a kickoff or punt is returned for a touchdown.
For: The reasons cited in Option A "Against." The offensive player should get credit because ultimately he is the one who scores the touchdown. There is a reason someone like Devin Hester scores a lot of return touchdowns, and it's not because the Bears have an awesome wedge. It's because Hester is a badass, and he deserves fantasy credit for it.
Against: The reasons cited in Option A "For" and Option B "For."

Option D: When a kickoff or punt is returned for a touchdown, we should split the credit by giving the Defense/Special Teams 3 points and the offensive player (if there is one) 3 points.
For: This is a nice compromise, no? Can't we all just get along?
Against: This is kind of a pussy cop-out.

So, leave your vote in the Comments, and leave us your name. I know it'll be tempting to provide a supporting argument for your vote, but honestly we've already done that to death in the e-mail chain today. Just cast a vote and be done with it.

10 comments:

Commandant Lassard said...

Option B - only DST gets credit

Sovic

Sam said...

A - kill or be killed

Elliott said...

Option B - it's the only way that all return TDs are accounted for, and it ensures that we stay consistent by not double dipping for Offense, Defense, or Special Teams.

Matt Haller said...

Only D/ST gets credit.

- M. Haller

Unknown said...

only d gets points

manning

Unknown said...

only d gets points

manning

dois said...

i know you said for bifflers to refrain from commenting, but i just don't think manning's ballot box stuffing is appropriate and couldn't keep mum.

Ray T said...

Option C. The player not the blockers

Ray T said...

Solomon Burke was fantastic. Each poster in our endless quarrels should be required to include a fine piece of music. I can Beethoven my way through any argument.

Eric Sherwood said...

Option A