The game is changing, and it's not helping the kickers

As I sat in front of the "dolphin screen" at Buffalo Wild Wings, I glanced around and realized something rather surprising.  Not instantly, but over time.  Field goal kickers aren't getting very many shots at 50+ yarders this season.

Last year and definately the year before, coaches would send out their kickers as far back as a 62 yarder. (If you're Rob Bironas)

Interested, I began to pursue this topic by searching for some field goal statistics at NFL.com.  Here's what I found.

2008 attempts over 50 yards:  104 (6.12 50+ attempts per week)

2009 attempts over 50 yards (so far) : 31, on pace for about 88 attempts total (5.17 attempts per week)

Some might say, pshh...only a 16 attempt difference, and besides, it's just an average.  Well, it is an average, but I think 16 attempt difference is a respectable amount.  But what is the reason for the decline in usage of FG kickers beyond 50 yards out? I'll take a stab at that.

I'll start off with the main point.  Offenses are better.  Coaches make the decision because they think that if they don't, the other team's high powered OFFENSE will outscore them.  Also, a coach just might be confident in his own offense.

You've probably heard either a CBS or FOX broadcaster talk about how the game itself is changing.  They are right.  The Wildcat is a prime example of how much the NFL has changed in recent years.  I know it was sort of ran a long time ago, but it hadn't been run for a while until last year.  Slowly but surely, offenses have taken hold of playcalling.  In order to have an advantage, agressive playcalling is necessary.  Thus, causing coaches to risk what would not be too much field position for an opportunity to keep a drive alive.  A substantial reward.

Perhaps kick blocking teams are becoming more and more able to block long field goals...

Perhaps kickers just can't make them consistantly anymore...

Whatever it is, the evidence is there, enough or negligible, it's there.  Offenses are controlling games and playcalling by taking advantage of a minimal risk.  Even though it's possible to get three points, they go for the first down, which could lead to a touchdown, because of the pace they have to match each week.

Vote your opinion below and be sure to explain in comments.

Crispy