Surprised I haven't seen it discussed. If you are OOTL, NFL owners voted to approve the new kickoff rule. Its a spin off of the xfl kickoff and will look something like this:
https://twitter.com/HardRockBet/status/1772612546341523815
Yardages will be different and a few of the receiving team blockers will be allowed in the "backfield", but the idea was to rescue the kickoff from being eliminated while limiting the injuries.
Obviously it will greatly increase the number of kickoff returns as last year barely any kickoffs were actually returned. As someone who never watches xfl, I'm curious as to what implications it will have for how team's build their 53 man roster. For return guys, do you use your RB1/rb2, or your punt returner? Do you want a fast guy or more of a heavy built bruiser?
Do you start seeing star players back there instead of specialists due to a lower risk of injury?
For your return coverage, do you look for different ST guys now that you don't need gunners??
So yeah… Thoughts, bird bros?
10 comments
It’s already been discussed. Twice, actually.
Line up saquon as the returner and have him truck dudes. lol
You probably see a lot of returns for touchdowns once people figure out blocking schemes by week 3
I don’t about you all, but this is an exciting new rule for once !
Finally kickoffs will be relevant again
Get a rugby player to kick a high 50yd kick, and sprint down the 35yds past the blockers before theyre allowed to move.
Parris Campbell will probably do a lot of returning
How do onside kicks work? Or is that even possible anymore?
I think you still use special teamers unless there is a specific reason or high stakes scenario. The kickoff return has been very high risk/low reward for a while. So many get called back for an illegal block in the back or other penalties. This could actually be more interesting.
Devon Allen, anyone?