The NFL has changed their kickoff rules. These rules will now allow players to move downfield prior to the kick instead of running while the ball is in the air. At least nine members of the return team will be in the "setup zone" between their 35-yard line and 30-yard line. The remaining 10 members of the kicking team will line up at the 40-yard line of the return team. Ideally, the ball will drop between the 20-yard line and goal line (the "landing zone") where there will be either 1 or 2 returners. A touchback will now result in the ball moving to the 30-yard line instead of the 20 or 25. And a kick out of bounds will result in the ball at the 40. The kicker and returners are the only people who can move until the ball is caught or hits the ground.
These rules seem interesting, and make up for the bad hip-drop tackle ban. I'm not a fan of the rule that the only people to move are the kicker and returners, but otherwise it's not so bad. It's a great way to get more returns in.
No comments:
Post a Comment