How do you think having a 1 yard neutral zone at the line of scrimmage makes the Canadian game different?

Question

The defense having to line up 1 yard beyond the ball in Canadian as opposed to right on the ball in American.

Answer 1

There are a lot of differences, no free catch, the single on a missed field goal, difference in the number of men on the field, no yards penalty, larger field, only 3 chances to move the ball 10 yards, not 4, isn't that enough?

Answer 2

It means that the offence has a yard in which to move and build up momentum going forward, or to pull back and set up for a pass block without having the defence on top of them. It encourages teams to go on short yardage and maintain a drive. It means more yardage on running plays, and given that it's only three downs, that's an advantage. Overall, more movement and excitement.

Answer 3

The CFL is geared towards offense....

Bigger Fields = More room to run / pass -- also harder to defend.

Less downs = More Passing as run game is harder to establish

Bigger Endzone = Much harder to defend especially in the red zone.

One Yard Neutral Zone = someone answered it best earlier... offense gets momentum through the neutral zone and that extra space for passing plays.

Receivers allowed running starts on defense = more chances to gain that step on your defender and go for the deep ball...

There are a lot of things that make the game different... but better... that's a matter of opinion. I love them both as they are completely different.... but similar in ways.

Defensive stops are HUGE boosts to momentum and I love to see a big stop on 3rd and short...and there is nothing better to watch than a team march the ball methodically down the field with 3 downs. Every down is important.

Answer 4

Either way is good. It's fun to watch both!