How NFL’s new kickoff rule may change Sundays

As we famous earlier this offseason, the NFL is implementing a brand new kickoff rule for the upcoming season. The league’s homeowners accredited a brand new “XFL-style” method to kickoffs again in March, which designates a 20-yard “touchdown zone” earlier than the aim line. Kicks should land inside this space, in any other case the returning crew may begin with very advantageous discipline place. For instance, kicks that land in need of the 20-yard “touchdown zone” will see the returning crew begin their ensuing possession on their very own 40-yard line.

The rule is designed at selling participant security, and decreasing the high-speed collisions which are usually seen on kickoffs when gamers on the kicking crew can get a 40-yard, sprinting begin on their tackles. However now, in line with legendary Kansas Metropolis Chiefs particular groups coach Dave Toub, there could possibly be a somewhat attention-grabbing facet impact.

The necessity for kickers — or at the least gamers who’re kicking off — to deal with.

Talking on the Chiefs’ OTAs on Thursday, Toub famous that following the approval of the rule Kansas Metropolis coaches went and watched each XFL kickoff, and located that kickers have been ultimately concerned in round 20-40% of tackles.

Which may see Harrison Butker sidelined for kickoffs, and changed by Justin Reid.

“I imply, Butker is ready to make a deal with, however I actually don’t need him making tackles all yr lengthy. You already know, if you happen to watch the XFL, we watched each play. I wager kickers have been concerned in most likely at the least 25 to 40% of the tackles, you realize, both both making an attempt to make a man bounce again or making the deal with itself or simply lacking the deal with,” mentioned Toub on Thursday.

“So, you realize, we don’t need Bucker in that scenario. However he can be a kicker, he’ll be a man that we’ll use in sure conditions. He’s acquired plenty of capacity to maneuver the ball, you realize, whereas these different guys will not be as apt to doing that. And we’ll use them, [Butker] can nonetheless kick a touchback if we want it.”

Toub additionally famous that utilizing a participant like Reid might pose issues for the return groups, as all of a sudden they should issue the kicker into their blocking schemes.

“So, nicely, Justin, Justin can cowl. I imply, he may kick, he can, after which he can go down there and make tackles. You already know, he’s an additional man that they’re most likely not accounting for. I imply, they know that that man can go all the way down to deal with, however a man like Justin is a man that they’ve to fret about,” added Toub. “It’s a must to get him blocked and it’s a must to surrender blocking someone else.

“In order that’s the entire considered that.”

You may see all of Toub’s feedback on this clip:

One factor is evident: This new rule is more likely to change the NFL.

Maybe in methods we didn’t see coming.