(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)

MATT BODIEN - SHARON, PA: When was the last time we blocked two field goals in one year? Boy, the special teams have seen a world of change.

Nick: I believe it was in 2000. I'm not sure the special teams has completely turned around because Sensabaugh and Jay Ratliff made great plays. But it has changed for the better this year, but I wouldn't expect special teams coach Joe DeCamillis to say it's exactly where he wants it to be. David Beuhler has also helped out dramatically with his kickoffs.

Rob: 2000, and yes they have shown marked improvement. Credit Joe DeCamillis because he's demanding and hissystem has worked everywhere he's been. Some players have really stepped up too: David Buehler, Alan Ball and Sam Hurd, to name a few.

Josh: You're right, those coverage units are a lot better this season, and the field goal block team has made a couple big plays. The Cowboys are winning the field position battle. I do think Joe DeCamillis would like more out of his return teams, and maybe Allen Rossum can help them do that.

MARK DUGAS - NORTH HILLS, CA: Do you think the competition committee should take a further look at the rule regarding hits on receivers? I stand firm in supporting player safety, but in certain instances the integrity and toughness of the game is being taken away. The personal foul on Alan Ball for hitting the Chiefs receiver on third-and-27 in the fourth quarter was a terrible call because Ball led with his shoulder. What do you think of that call in a crucial part of the game?

Nick: I've always hated the rule on "defenseless" receivers. That's why they're offensive players, they're not defensive players. If they're vulnerable to a big hit, then don't jump up with your hands in the air. No one asked you to go for the ball. We sit here and criticize safeties for not being tough enough or not making the play on the ball but yet the aggressiveness is already taken out of their hands by the league because they can't hit too high or too low or with their helmet and anything that comes remotely close to either area is flagged and they get fined. I don't want to see anyone get hurt either but the rules are getting ridiculous.

Rob: I think the officials reacted more to the violent nature of the collision than the actual rule. Ball wasn't head-hunting on that play. The DB's know and are conscious of the rules; Gerald Sensabaugh purposely hit low on the play he injured his rib against Tampa Bay.

Josh: We can debate whether Ball's hit was a violation of the rule - evidently the league thought so since they leveled him with a $5,000 fine. On the play in question, though, Ball needed to have a little better situational awareness. All the defensive backs know how ticky-tack those unnecessary roughness penalties can be, so he shouldn't have gone for the kill shot on a 15 yard pass on third-and-27.

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