In an era where change is constant, the National Football League (NFL) is no exception. Recent updates to the kickoff rule have sparked widespread discussion among fans, critics, and coaches.
Among those watching these developments closely is Sean Payton, head coach of the Denver Broncos, who anticipates fresh waves of action and strategy stemming from these changes.
Sean Payton envisions a lot more plays, and touchdowns, from the new kickoff formation. https://t.co/fqpCIRiDrX
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 12, 2024
The adjustment made in the system of the kickoff play is arguably the most substantial change that the NFL has seen in the recent past.
Such changes offer intriguing possibilities, particularly in the hands of swift, strategic thinkers like Payton. In a recent press interaction, Payton shared his insights, suggesting that the impact of these alterations may indeed be transformational.
He said, “I think all of us here, you guys asking the questions, myself answering them, this is going to be — we’re excited about it."
As teams drill down into the thick of the offseason program, there’s a shared enthusiasm about exploring the potential ‘what-ifs" and ‘landing zones".
Payton believes these scenarios will influence the game nuances significantly and shape the kick-off strategy in a different way from previous seasons.
"Every team like us right now is going through the ‘what ifs’ and the landing zones. Then I think most importantly, who’s doing it different than who did it a year ago, because it’s a completely different play." Payton said.
One of the focal points of the change will be the ability of the return specialists. With the transformations, different bodies will have different roles to play on the field.
Payton views this as an opportunity for diversifying the play strategy and adding an element of surprise. Considering the changes in the amount of space teams are dealing with, Payton has high hopes for the kickoff play to evolve.
He said, “I do think the coverage and blocking units will get a little bit bigger because we’re reducing the amount of space we’re running in"."But from a scheme standpoint then, I think it’ll be — I don’t know what the average touchdown — it’s been a while — but you might get a couple a year [per team]. You’re going to get double-digit touchdown returns [throughout the league]. You’re going to see a lot more plays, and I think that was the intention of the rule."
The recent modification to the kickoff rule might just be the most paramount adjustment the NFL has embraced since the introduction of the two-point conversion play in "94.
This change is set to rejuvenate a play that was often labeled ‘routine", giving it a new lease of life.
