NFL's new kickoff rule to kick off tonight at Hall of Fame Game
The NFL's revised kickoff rule will make its debut during the preseason opener Thursday night, featuring the Chicago Bears against the Houston Texans in the annual Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Stadium.
What are the changes to the NFL kickoff rule?
NFL owners have implemented significant changes to kickoffs to revive what had become a "dead play" with a record-low number of returns last season.
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The new rule stipulates that the ball will be kicked from the 35-yard line, with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40-yard line, five on each side of the field. The return team must have at least nine blockers lined up between the 30- and 35-yard lines, with at least seven players touching the 35. Up to two returners are allowed inside the 20-yard line.
How does the new NFL kickoff rule work?
Under the new rules, only the kicker and the two returners can move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20-yard line.
A kick that reaches the end zone in the air can be returned, or the receiving team can opt for a touchback, placing the ball at the 30-yard line. If the ball reaches the end zone and goes out of bounds or exits the end zone, it results in a touchback at the 30. If the ball touches a returner or the ground before the end zone and then enters the end zone, the receiving team can either return it or take a touchback at the 20.
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A kick that goes out of bounds before the end zone, or touches the ground or is touched by the receiving team before reaching the designated landing zone, will place the ball at the 40-yard line for the receiving team.
Why did the NFL change the kickoff rule?
The changes, inspired by the XFL spring league, aim to increase the number of kick returns while minimizing the associated risks. Last season, only 21.8% of all kickoffs were returned, as teams often preferred safer alternatives.
The NFL predicts that more than half of all kickoffs will be returned under the new rules.
What is the goal of the new NFL kickoff rule?
The primary objective of the one-year trial of this new system is to reinvigorate the kickoff, making it a more dynamic and exciting part of the game while prioritizing player safety.
When will the new NFL kickoff rule be tested?
The new kickoff rule will be tested for the first time during the Hall of Fame Game, with the Chicago Bears facing the Houston Texans.
Although both teams are likely to rest their starters, the game will provide an opportunity to observe how the updated kickoff rules impact the game in a live setting. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if the changes achieve the desired effect of increasing the number of kick returns.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. It was reported from Los Angeles.