NFL passes new kickoff rule

[MightyGiants]

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1661055182971584513

[MightyGiants]

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1661054054682730496

[MagicRat]

Am I missing something here?
This is just kick offs?

So the only change is a fair catch goes to the 25 line?

How many fair catches do you seen on k/o?

[AZGiantFan]

Am I missing something here?
This is just kick offs?

So the only change is a fair catch goes to the 25 line?

How many fair catches do you seen on k/o?

Maybe they think the frequency will increase with the rule change?  You wouldn't want to make a fair catch at the 5 if the ball gets spotted there.  But if it gets moved out to the 25 it becomes a more attractive proposition.

[MagicRat]

Maybe they think the frequency will increase with the rule change?  You wouldn't want to make a fair catch at the 5 if the ball gets spotted there.  But if it gets moved out to the 25 it becomes a more attractive proposition.

Yeah, that does make sense actually.
It'll take short kick offs (well, kick offs that "lob" short of the endzone) right out of the game.

You'll be talking touchback or squib on pretty much every k/o.

[uconnjack8]

One of the strategies teams have been using on kickoffs has been similar to punts.  Kick it high and try to land it inside the 10 yard line. 

On kickoffs, that pretty much guaranteed a return because the receiving team cannot just let it bounce and hope it goes into the endzone like punts. 

IMO it may be time to just end the kickoff.  If that's the top play for concussions and the league is going to continue to legislate to reduce returns, it doesnt make sense to keep it.

[WheresDayne]

One of the strategies teams have been using on kickoffs has been similar to punts.  Kick it high and try to land it inside the 10 yard line.

This was always a good strategy, IMO.  Now this takes this out of the equation.  Kickers will either boom it into the endzone or squib it.  I don't like the idea.   

[MightyGiants]

While I raked the owners over the coals with their self-serving flex Thursdays move, I have a hard time faulting the owners on this rule change.   Concussions (and the claims of permanent damage) are the biggest headwinds the NFL's future faces.   Kickoff, while fun plays and a great tradition to start off a game, are statistically high plays in terms of producing concussions.  The NFL is trying all it can to reduce concussions and the lasting impact of concussions while trying not to ruin what makes the sport so great.

Colleges already adopted this rule.  It would have been difficult for the owners at least not trying it.

[files58]

What about strategizing for field position, and pinning your opponent? The rule should be modified if you fair catch inside the ten the ball gets moved to the ten, fair catch from the ten on out the ball is placed at the spot of the fair catch.

[uconnjack8]

What about strategizing for field position, and pinning your opponent? The rule should be modified if you fair catch inside the ten the ball gets moved to the ten, fair catch from the ten on out the ball is placed at the spot of the fair catch.

They will not change the rule to that because no one would fair catch at the 5 or 7 or 9. Everyone would attempt a return.  They are looking to lower the number of returns on kickoffs which is why I would just get rid of it at this point.

[files58]

They will not change the rule to that because no one would fair catch at the 5 or 7 or 9. Everyone would attempt a return.  They are looking to lower the number of returns on kickoffs which is why I would just get rid of it at this point.

The league one by one is removing all the nuances of the game all in the name of "player safety" when it's really only cya moves re:the concussion issue. When was the last time a rule was adopted in support of the defensive side off the ball? I'm really surprised from the time a touchback was brought to the 25 up till now that some coach hasn't found a kicker who can kick the ball a mile high deep but short of the goal line allowing for coverage to pin teams deep in their territory.

[TONKA56]

More rule changes. How very wonderful.