https://nypost.com/2024/07/13/sport...ckoff-rule-change-that-is-still-huge-unknown/ I guess they think they'll look bad if they outright do away with kickoffs altogether, so they'll wait for the fans to complain that this is a waste of time and just an opportunity to jam commercials in.
First of all, what is the point of this. I read it twice, and I can't see how this isn't going to get screwed up constantly league-wide on top of it. Starting on the receiving team's 40 yard line, this sounds so stupid.
If the players on the kicking team on the 40 yard line and the players on the receiving team on the 35 yard line can't move until the ball hits the ground, is returned or lands in the End Zone, they're going to be standing there a long time, because I can't imagine a single kick not going into the stands in the air.
Those rules are asinine. Did they get them from some pee wee football league where a 7 year old can't kick it far enough?
I think they want more returns and fewer injuries. With the kicking and return teams lined up so close together, they can't build up speed and run into each other at such high velocities that cause many injuries.
Yes I think that’s the intent…also may allow for more breakaways if the returner can break through that initial line then there may be a free ride to the end zone unless the kicker gets him or he’s caught from behind
I borrowed this link from GREG's thread in the NFL Forum: https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/rules-changes/new-dynamic-kickoff-rule-explainer/ The NFL believes this will promote more returns. Or that is what they say they believe, anyway.