BearFan PHX Posted yesterday at 07:29 AM Report Share Posted yesterday at 07:29 AM Since we dont have anything else to talk about, i thought it might be a good time to say that the "new" kickoff rule looked pretty good this past year. I was initially unsure. You guys may remember that I worried that there might be some new unintended wrinkles that would allow cheap or lucky free touchdowns. But in truth, having seen it tested across a season, it seems even more solid than the previous rule when it comes to dumb little mistakes causing cheap touchdowns. Im not talking about earned touchdowns, where a Devin Hester type scores because of his skill or dominance - those are always good. But of those that were not earned, i think the new rule provided fewer examples. And even though its a little weird to have a play where the kicker can run, but everyone stays frozen while the ball is actually in play, until it's touched or hits the ground, I gotta say i am a fan of the way it keeps outcomes predictable and solid, and apparently is better for players health. Cool. The game is still won (and lost) with plays on offense and defense, and not cheap touchdowns. It also limits the effect of surprise onside kicks that also have been responsible for cheap touchdowns in the past. Last minute onside kicks still exist, and the receiving team always anticipated those anyway, but the surprise ones have been eliminated. And I think that's good too. I will always be wary of any rule changes, but this one seems to have turned out well, and I am pleased with it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mongo3451 Posted yesterday at 03:22 PM Report Share Posted yesterday at 03:22 PM I miss the old kickoff scenario. That being said, I fully embrace the new. The safety of the players is the key for me. CTE is a huge personal fear of mine. I've had numerous concussions and suffer from the results. Although there is no test, other than autopsy, I truly believe it's part of me. The little things, like players that have their mouth guards dangling, drive me nuts. Mouth guards were initially made for teeth. Studies have found that they have an impact on concussion prevention. It's not a damn Christmas ornament. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted yesterday at 04:38 PM Report Share Posted yesterday at 04:38 PM They did make a change to the touchbacks for 2025 though, they will now be placed at the 35 (previously the 30, and originally the 20). To me, the 35 seems a little excessive. Here are some notes from a recent article: The average field position after all kickoffs in 2024 was the 30-yard line. After a return, the average starting position was the 29-yard line. Seven touchdowns were scored off a kickoff return last year, the most since 2021. There were 59 "big play" returns, which the NFL defines as 40-plus yards, the most since 2016. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearFan PHX Posted yesterday at 05:32 PM Author Report Share Posted yesterday at 05:32 PM 1 hour ago, adam said: They did make a change to the touchbacks for 2025 though, they will now be placed at the 35 (previously the 30, and originally the 20). To me, the 35 seems a little excessive. Here are some notes from a recent article: The average field position after all kickoffs in 2024 was the 30-yard line. After a return, the average starting position was the 29-yard line. Seven touchdowns were scored off a kickoff return last year, the most since 2021. There were 59 "big play" returns, which the NFL defines as 40-plus yards, the most since 2016. hmmmm. I was just speaking anecdotally. these results are not in line with what I thought. as always, thanks for the stats, adam! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearFan PHX Posted yesterday at 05:32 PM Author Report Share Posted yesterday at 05:32 PM 2 hours ago, Mongo3451 said: CTE is a huge personal fear of mine. I've had numerous concussions and suffer from the results. Although there is no test, other than autopsy, I truly believe it's part of me. Dude, I hope you're ok! And that its a LONG time before anyone would consider an autopsy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted yesterday at 06:12 PM Report Share Posted yesterday at 06:12 PM 43 minutes ago, BearFan PHX said: hmmmm. I was just speaking anecdotally. these results are not in line with what I thought. as always, thanks for the stats, adam! I don't mind the new kickoff format, I just don't like being penalized for a touchback. I could see if you kick it out of the end zone, then sure, penalize the kicking team for preventing a kick return, but giving the receiving the team 35 yards for catching the ball in the end zone seems crazy to me. The 30 already felt far to me, the 35 is going to be wild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mongo3451 Posted yesterday at 06:16 PM Report Share Posted yesterday at 06:16 PM 49 minutes ago, BearFan PHX said: Dude, I hope you're ok! And that its a LONG time before anyone would consider an autopsy! I'm good. I just have fog brain and uneven temperament at times. Could be old age... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearFan PHX Posted yesterday at 06:45 PM Author Report Share Posted yesterday at 06:45 PM 36 minutes ago, Mongo3451 said: I'm good. I just have fog brain and uneven temperament at times. Could be old age... LOL ALL of us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.