Reasoning for Boswell’s failed “rabona” onside kick

There have been many headlines following the Steelers loss to the Ravens, but one that’s seemingly gotten the most national coverage is not about Mike Tomlin or Ben Roethlisberger, but Chris Boswell.

Down 14-21, the Steelers had an opportunity to tie the game if they could convert an onside kick. The results…

https://twitter.com/NFLUK/status/795378650577334272

Yes, Chris Boswell attempted the difficult “rabona” onside kick. This method is primarily used in soccer – rarely in football. Boswell actually learned the technique from his father, who played soccer in Brazil growing up.

I don’t think Boswell’s father is very proud of his sons attempt.

This kick has been ridiculed all over the internet. It’s been used for various memes and it will surely make ESPN’s Not top 10 this week. Even Steeler icon Charlie Batch called the kick pathetic.

Though many are questioning why the coaching stuff decided to gamble on this kick, the logic actually makes at last a fraction of sense when you look at Boswell’s resume. During his college career at Rice, Boswell successfully executed an onside kick similar to what we saw today.

Unlike the results from today, this kick was actually beautiful. The opposing team was caught by surprised, the ball traveled 10 yards, and the Rice managed to recover the ball.

It’s really difficult to justify why the Steelers attempted this exotic onside kick. Sure Boswell has successfully executed it in the past, but it’s still a very risky play. As we’ve seen in the past, when the Steelers attempt trick plays they rarely end well. The Steelers need to stop relying on trickery and surprise and start relying on their players. By attempting this kick, you’re not giving your unit a fair chance to try and recover the ball.

Today’s kick is just another example of the Steelers being cute with trick plays and failing. Unfortunately, this play perfectly summed up the Steelers performance versus the Ravens.