A few months ago, the NFL made a splash when it announced it was changing the kickoff rules. For the first few weeks following the announcement, fans seemed to be focused on trying to learn the new rules and react to the changes.
However, while fans have been excited about these new changes, coaches and players have begun to examine them more closely to see how they will affect the game and whether changes to how special teams are run are necessary.
A Review of the New NFL Kickoff Rules
Under the new rules, kickers will still kick off from their own 35-yard line; however, the other 10 team members will line up on the opposing team’s 40-yard line. The return team has at least nine blockers lined up to set up a zone between the 30 and 35-yard line, and at least seven of them must be touching the 35. There are also two returners allowed to set up inside the 20-yard line.
Only the kicker and the two returners can move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20-yard line. If a ball reaches the endzone or goes out the back of the endzone, the ball will be placed at the 30-yard line for a touchback. This will discourage kickers from wanting to kick deep and instead try to pin players inside the 25-yard line through a return.
This model is taken directly from what the XFL did last year and was very successful. The hope is that kickoff rates will drastically improve starting this season. Last year, the Dallas Cowboys had an 89% touchback rate, meaning about one kickoff return allowed every two games.
Changes We Could See to the Kickoff Side of the Ball
“If you watch the XFL…I bet kickers were involved in at least 25 to 40 percent of the tackles, either trying to make a guy bounce back or making the tackle (or missing the tackle). We don’t want Butker in that sitiuation.
Other teams that have expressed concern include the San Diego Chargers and Cleveland Browns.
There is plenty of reason to be concerned. For many kickoff specialists, they also serve as the primary field goal kicker and are certainly more valuable there. It’s not difficult to find a player who can kick a ball 60 yards off a tee; however, finding a kicker who can make a 55-yard+ field goal under pressure is not easy.
Additionally, the kicker will now be the only player on the kicking team who can truly see where the ball is going. He needs to be a real threat not only to be on coverage but to make a tackle. This isn’t a safety issue; it is now an essential tackling position.
Changes We Could See to the Receiving Side of the Ball
There is a belief (and some truth) that many NFL rookies and players barely making the 53-man roster earn their playing time on special teams. For many, that meant kickoffs and kickoff coverage. However, with the rules changing now, it may be much more common to see regular starters on both sides of the ball, but particularly on the receiving end.
With players no longer running down the field at full speed, the number of injuries will likely drop dramatically. This will allow some coaches to feel more confident putting their best players out there to set up a good return.
With kickoffs happening much more often, watch for returners to be star players. Again, with defenders no longer coming down the field at full speed, the contact and hits will be more like taking a hit off a jet sweep or a screen pass.
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