NFL owners approve massive revamp to kickoff play.
This rule change is for one year only in anticipation of possible tweaks over time.
What do you guys think?
The two primary drivers behind this rule change from what I can tell are:
1. Supposedly, less high speed hitting tackles.
2. More use of special teams on the hopes that it will increase kickoff return yardage.
(I don’t like it … but I don’t favor
change in most things, (i.e. NASCAR rules in the last 5 or so years.)
BUT if it livens up the game maybe I’ll come around to it. Another thing
is, I watch so little pro-football anymore I don't know if this rule
change will ever have any impact on my opinion of the game in real
time. ALSO, if this rule is approved for a second year or more, will they try moving it to the college games???)
Here’s my assessment of the rule change.
During the 2024 season, kickers will continue to kick from the 35-yard line, but the other 10 players on the kickoff team will line up at the receiving team's 40-yard line. At least nine members of the return team will line up in a "setup zone" between the 35- and 30-yard lines. Up to two returners can line up in a "landing zone" between the goal line and the 20-yard line.
No one other than the kicker and returner(s) can move until the ball hits the ground or hits a player inside the landing zone. Touchbacks will be marked at the 30-yard line, and no fair catches will be allowed. In the event a team wants to attempt an onside kick, it will have to inform officials of its intent and would then be allowed to use the NFL's traditional formation. No surprise onside kicks will be allowed.
I hope my on the field mark-up doesn't really screw up anyone's understanding of what's going on, lol.
You can read more here:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39812700/nfl-owners-approve-massive-revamp-kickoff-play
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