Rich McKay, the longest-serving member on the NFL’s competition committee, described the recent overhaul of the kickoff rule as one of the most significant changes since the introduction of replay review in 1998.
The NFL hopes that the redesigned kickoff will result in a higher return rate and fewer injuries.
The new approach involves lining up most players downfield before the kick, reducing high-speed collisions. The kicker will kick off from the 35-yard line, while the other 10 members of the kicking team will line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line.
At least nine members of the return team will be in the setup zone, between the 35- and 30-yard lines. Ideally, the ball will land between the 20-yard line and the goal line, where one or two returners will be waiting.
If the ball goes out of the end zone, it will be a touchback placed at the 30-yard line. If it goes out of bounds, it will be placed at the 40-yard line. Until the ball is caught or hits the ground, only the kicker and returner(s) can move.
The NFL’s hybrid kickoff for 2024. pic.twitter.com/enyoNNEnSp
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) March 26, 2024
Special teams’ coaches have discussed different strategies for reacting to the kickoff and will experiment during training camp to find the best approach.
The NFL has been working to reduce the high injury rates on kickoffs for over a decade. In 2023, only 21% of kickoffs were returned, prompting the NFL’s projection that between 50% and 60% of kickoffs will be returned in 2024, adding approximately 1,000 plays to the NFL season.
The committee made one tweak to the proposal, moving the touchback spot from the 35- to the 30-yard line, resulting in a compromise that helped it pass. While this reduces the incentive to avoid a touchback, it still represents a significant increase in the return rate.
The 5-yard change in touchback spot does make a difference as it allows teams to avoid returns without facing the severe 35-yard line spot. It also gives them the option to have a touchback if they are concerned about their ability to cover kicks or if they are facing a strong returner.
The new rule also affects onside kicks, as teams now have to declare their intent to use an onside formation. The use of squib kicks will also be limited, as any kick that lands short of the 20-yard line will be ruled down immediately and marked at the 40-yard line.
Teams are expected to use two returners to mitigate the risk of a live ball being recovered by the kicking team. The value of kickoff returners is expected to increase, and teams may adjust their depth to accommodate more in-line blocking and less running on kickoffs.
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York is in favor of changing the kickoff rule to make it a more active play, but he hopes there can be adjustments made during the season if any unintended consequences arise.
Field position could be one of those consequences, as the new rule would make the starting position of drives more unpredictable. Last season, 80% of drives started around the 25-yard line, but the new rule projects that only 40% of drives will start at the 30-yard line or higher, with another 30% starting inside the 20-yard line.
Injuries, particularly concussions, have been a concern with kickoffs due to the nature of collisions. The NFL’s goal is to reduce the injury and concussion rates to be similar to those of run or pass plays from scrimmage.
The league has implemented measures to bring players closer together and minimize space, and they will make adjustments based on data and feedback after the year. Coaches are excited about the possibility of strategic innovation and finding unique ways to surprise their opponents.
Fans reacted as follows.
How does an onside kick work?
— steve (@steve28726335) March 26, 2024
This may actually work. I see some cool special teams plays allowing big returns. Not 100% sold, but could actually work
— Real_910Kj (@ilmpirate_kj) March 26, 2024
Too many rule changes, before you know it they will be playing Flag Football
— Arnold David (@ArnoldDavi83273) March 26, 2024
What about onside kicks?
— Homer Bush (@Sportsfeeder1) March 26, 2024
