“Touchback. First and 10 from the 20 yard line.”
NFL fans better get used to announcers starting possessions with this line. The new NFL kick off rule is ruining special teams.
In an attempt to reduce injuries, the NFL decided to move kickoffs from the 30 to the 35-yard line for the upcoming season.
While trying to protect players is a noble idea, football is naturally a violent sport and injuries are going to happen regardless.
Kickoff returns have the potential to change a game. They are some of the most exciting plays in a game and give teams huge swings in momentum.
However, returns will happen less and less frequently as teams will constantly be starting their possessions from the 20-yard line.
In 2010, 23 kickoffs were returned for touchdowns and there were 416 touchbacks.
In 1993, the last time the ball was kicked from the 35, there were four kickoffs returned for touchdowns and 510 touchbacks.
The players in the NFL may be a bit safer for the upcoming season, but the games will have less scoring and highlight packages will definitely be shorter.
