NFL’s kickoff rule change has teams scrambling to adapt with returns up 45%

A new rule in the NFL has changed one aspect of the game in a big way, at least after one week of play

Moving touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35 has meant a roughly 45 percent increase in kickoff returns compared to week one a year ago

The dynamic kickoff formation was implemented in 2024 on a one-year trial basis to improve player safety and help produce more returns

It has been successful on both counts. Concussions on kickoffs were down 43% from 2023, according to the NFL

There were also 332 more kickoff returns, which improved the return rate to 33% overall

This summer, the league made the formation permanent and added another boost

With touchbacks now starting at the 35-yard line, teams were discouraged from kicking the ball into the end zone

Why? Well, over the past five years, teams scored touchdowns 14% more often

with that five-yard boost to their starting field position. As such, the return rate in Week 1 shot up to just over 70%

a 45% increase from Week 1 a year ago. There were no touchdowns in Week 1, but it seems only a matter of time before that happens

The Tennessee Titans came close against the Denver Broncos A 71 return by rookie Chimer Dike set up a field goal More possible returns mean more adjustments by coaches and players especially

for rookies coming from the college ranks where the new formations are not used. Those younger

players often play a big role on special teams. Seahawks special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh

said during training camp that those players need a few weeks to get adjusted to the new rules and

set up. It takes a while to realize what that norm is of, okay, the ball that's caught here

this is where it's going to end up, this is where it's going to affect the decisions I'm making as

a blocker or as a cover guy, things like that. That's a little abstract, but it's just, yeah

you weren't used to it. So I think everyone, players, coaches, getting a feel for the timing

the angles, and the spacing. A potential increase in injuries is something to watch should the

kickoff return rates stay up between 60 and 70 percent. The Eagles and Cowboys had a long stoppage

in the season opener after linebacker and special teams ace Ben VanSummern suffered a knee injury

on the opening kickoff. He will miss the season. For now though, it seems there's a real reason to

have a top-notch return man on the roster and place more of an emphasis on coaching and playing

better special teams. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Chris Francis