New Kickoff Rules Unpopular

Added on Aug 15, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The NFL rules committee meant well when it voted to move kickoffs from the 30 to 35-yard line in the offseason. Reducing the number of significant injuries, most notably concussions, was the primary reason for the move. However, with one week of preseason games in the books, the consensus among players and fans is the new rule needs to go.

If the league wants more touchbacks, then mission accomplished. In 2010, 16% of kickoffs were touchbacks. During the opening week of preseason, that number more than doubled to 33%. Some games featured only a couple of actual return attempts.

The argument against the new rule has to do with removing one of the more potentially exciting parts of football. The anticipation of a game-changing play can’t be measured, especially for those teams with elite kick returners. Josh Cribbs, one of the league’s best, used Twitter to voice his complaints.

“I see an immediate amendment on the kickoff rule either (before) the end of the year or beginning of next year (because) without that part of the return game, it might as well be a scrimmage,” Cribbs wrote on Twitter after watching Thursday night’s opening preseason games.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh referred to the lack of returns as a “yawner.” He was also quick to point out the difficulties of getting kick coverage units needed reps during the preseason.

“We’re going to have to punch it down there because we need to train our guys to cover kicks,” Harbaugh said. “We’re not going to go through the whole season kicking touchbacks. That would be foolish.”

The Bears went so far as to ignore the rule twice in their exhibition opener against Buffalo, which drew the ire of the VP of officiating who demanded they cease and desist.

It’s expected some teams may begin treating kickoffs like punts by pooching the ball inside the ten to pin opponents near the goal line. Whatever happens, it’s unlikely any alterations will be implemented until after the season concludes.

Source: NFL.com