The NFL launched a very revamped kickoff at the beginning of the 2024 season, and it seems like one other important change might be carried out for subsequent yr.
In response to Mark Maske of the Washington Submit, NFL executives and members of the league’s competitors committee are contemplating a change the place the ball can be noticed on the 35-yard line fairly than the 30 on a touchback for a kickoff into the top zone that isn’t returned. The purpose can be to discourage the kicking group from kicking the ball by means of the top zone to keep away from a return.
As Maske notes, roughly 29 p.c of kickoffs have been returned by means of the primary 4 weeks of the season. Whereas that is a rise from the 17 p.c that had been returned by means of the primary 4 weeks a yr in the past, the purpose with the brand new rule was to extend returns to greater than 50 p.c.
It seems that those that designed the brand new kickoff format underestimated the willingness of the kicking group to permit their opponent to start a drive on the 30-yard line. The hope is that transferring that to the 35-yard line will discourage groups from merely kicking the ball by means of the top zone.
Underneath the brand new kickoff guidelines, which had been modeled after the XFL’s format, any ball that lands contained in the “touchdown zone,” which is outlined as the realm between the receiving group’s 20-yard line and the purpose line, should be returned. If the ball is kicked wanting the touchdown zone or out of bounds, the receiving group is awarded possession at their very own 40-yard line.
When the brand new kickoff guidelines had been initially proposed, a touchback by means of the top zone was supposed to provide the receiving group possession on the 35. That was modified to the 30 as a consequence of an absence of votes. To ensure that the rule to be modified to the 35, not less than 24 homeowners must approve it.
With the brand new kickoff format being such a radical change, there are anticipated to be some tweaks within the coming years.
