DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum The NFL proposal to make kickoffs safer could also make them more exciting

The NFL proposal to make kickoffs safer could also make them more exciting


NFL owners will vote later in May on a rule proposal that could actually fix kickoffs.

By Adam Stites May 2, 2018, 5:57pm EDT

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/5/2/17312764/nfl-rule-proposal-kickoff-change

The NFL’s competition committee and others involved in the league are piecing together a plan to change kickoffs that will be presented and voted on by team owners later in May. On Wednesday, the Washington Post revealed the details of the proposal and it actually makes a lot of sense.

Via the Post:



The proposal reportedly came together with recommendations made by NFL special teams coaches at a meeting Wednesday.

Kickoffs are one of the most dangerous plays in football with two teams of 11 players essentially colliding at full speed on returns. The proposal aims to reduce those collisions without taking out the excitement of a kickoff return.
What is good about the proposal?

Taking away a running start will presumably lower the speed of collisions between players. Especially when all but three players on the receiving team will be close to the spot of the kickoff.

The idea is to remove the distance between the two sides, lowering the speed of the collisions between blockers and would-be tacklers.

The returner and two blockers would still be able to get a running head start, but the majority of the coverage team will get slowed down by blockers who will be running backwards first.

“The problem was that you had guys too far away from the kicking team,” former Buffalo Bills special teamer Steve Tasker told the Post. “And they had a chance to gather themselves and run toward the kicking team, with the kicking team running toward them. Nobody’s trying to avoid the contact.”

Under the current NFL rules, coverage teams can get a 5-yard running start and blockers run backwards a bit before turning and turning back with a head of steam toward the coverage team.

“Now [under the proposal], you’ve got guys running with each other down the field. It makes a big difference,” Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub told the Post.
What is bad about the proposal?

It’s kind of hard to guess the consequences of the rule changes without seeing them in action, but it does seem like it would be significantly easier for kick returners to break free.

With coverage teams given less of a running start at returners, the lanes could be easier to find and exploit. Especially given the increased room and running start the proposal would give to kick returners.

Is that a problem?

That’s a matter of personal opinion. There were seven kicks returned for touchdowns in 2017 — the same amount that were returned in 2013, 2015 and 2016. It’s doubtful that many fans would complain about that number getting increased, but it could be frustrating if returning kicks suddenly became significantly easier.

It could also affect onside kicks which are already difficult enough as is. Without the chance to get a 5-yard running start or for the kicking team to use motion will likely make it even more difficult to recover a kick.

But neither of those negatives outweigh what really seems like a logical and smart rule proposition. If the NFL owners approve it this month, it should make kickoffs safer and may even make them more exciting too.

Call Cribbs now!

Cribbs is a special teams coaching intern, or something like that.

I think that the reason why the Browns have brought in a ton of kick returners is apparent.

Callaway can return as well from what I have seen.

it's worth a shot to tweak the rules before giving up kickoffs altogether ... it might actually make them more entertaining now

A dumb rule.

Would you rather they totally eliminate kickoffs?

Not me. ANYTHING that keeps one of the cores of the game intact is a good thing.

So how could you run a onside kick? That is a core part of the game.

Seemingly it will go the way of the Dodo bird...

I suppose so. To bad because it sure is good to have when you need the ball back.

Low percentage is better than no percentage.

I thought I heard the NFL was trying any way possible to preserve the onside kick.

Now, maybe the surprise onside kick will be gone. Maybe you'll have to announce that you're attempting one.

Maybe make it so the ball only has to go five yards before the kicking team can recover?

That wouldn't work. The receiving team has to line up 15 yards off the ball. No contact can be made inside that 15 yard cushion. The ball would always be recovered by the kicking team

The kicking team can't shift or have players run until the ball is kicked. No way possible for them to recover if the ball has to cover 15 yards.

Let's say the kicking team lines up at the 40. Receiving team can line up at the 50. Kick must get 5 yards? 10 yards?

No change on punt returns?

I want kick offs. Legislating the game away. Stoopid rule. Safer would be to eject any idiot gets flagged for the rest of the game. Every play holding, clipping, illegal B in the B, and such. Lousy stuff.

Lets just go with no helmets on kickoffs. Everyone will wise up real fast.