NFL kickoffs will take place at the 35-yard line -- not the 30 -- under a modified proposal passed by team owners Tuesday at the league's annual meeting in New Orleans, but not everybody is happy about it.
The change, which could be an advantage for kicking teams, might diminish what teams can accomplish on special teams and make for a less exciting product, said several coaches and players unhappy with the new rule.
"I don't like the rule," Seahawks kick returner Leon Washington said on the "Brock & Salk" show on Seattle's 710 ESPN Radio. "And I'm sure (the New York Jets') Brad Smith and (Chicago's) Devin Hester and (Cleveland's) Joshua Cribbs and the rest of those guys that do a really good job of returning the ball don't like the rule. It's part of the game that's really exciting. I think fans look forward to it because it's an instant momentum-changer."
Washington and others around the league said the change, made to address player-safety issues, would breed more touchbacks and substantially impact field position, likely leading to less scoring.
Touchbacks will continue to be brought out to the 20, and teams still will be allowed to use the two-man blocking wedge.
The league's competition committee initially proposed moving touchbacks up to the 25, eliminating the blocking wedge and limiting coverage players from long run-ups. The league reduced the number of players allowed in a blocking wedge to two in 2009.
Several coaches expressed concern about making too many changes on kickoffs, saying that bringing touchbacks out to the 25 would affect field position too much. Coaches are worried about an increase in touchbacks from last season's 16 percent.
Making kickoffs safer was the objective; owners passed the measure by a vote of 26-6.
Competition committee chairman Rich McKay said coaches were concerned about an increase in high kicks from the 35 intended to trap returning teams deep and severely decreasing the number of returns. He also said the two-man wedge wasn't a driving force in the uptick in injuries on kickoffs. Indeed, more injuries occur in coverage than on the return squads.
As for the six no votes, McKay said: "The objections were 'Hey, you're affecting my team.' Clearly, some teams have good kick returners, and they said, 'What if there's 10 percent less returns?'
"We have no answer, but player safety will always trump any other consideration."
Yet the two player-safety amendments were tabled until the May league meetings. A proposal to outlaw players launching to make hits was deferred, as was expanding the definition of a defenseless receiver.
McKay praised players for avoiding launching themselves during the second part of last season after the league threatened suspensions for illegal and flagrant hits. No suspensions were handed out, but Ray Anderson, the NFL's chief disciplinarian, said they will be in play from the outset of next season.
Several other rule changes were made, but the kickoff alterations drew the greatest response from players and coaches.
Bears return specialist Hester, who has an NFL-record 14 touchdowns on kick returns, also has a problem with the rule.
"They might as well put up the arena nets (behind the end zones), man, because there's going to be a lot of balls going in the end zone ...," he said on "Waddle & Silvy" on Chicago's ESPN Radio 1000. "They're going too far. They're changing the whole fun of the game. Fans come out to see, especially to Chicago, to see returns. That's one of the key aspects to our team. Fans (love) our big returns and taking that out of the game" makes for a lesser game.
A proposal to allow the replay official to review all scoring plays at any time during games passed 30-2, but coaches still can receive a third challenge if they win the first two.
The replay official now can call for the referee to review any scoring play. Previously, replay officials could order reviews (on any play) only in the final two minutes of each half and in overtime.
Coaches pushed for the change in great part because they believed they didn't get a fair shake in road games.
"It's a real big competitive disadvantage," Baltimore Ravens Coach John Harbaugh said. "You don't get that look at it on the road that you get at home; they just don't show it."
One proposal was adopted unanimously, giving the commissioner the power to approve or deny requests to change the color of the playing field from green. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said the concern was that sponsors could approach teams and suggest a deal that involved altering a field's color.
Find out what New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Peyton had to say about the new rules, receive some additional insight from McKay, and Cleveland Browns return specialist Joshua Cribbs. Also receive my take on the new rule changes and how they will affect the quality of the game. It's all in the Wednesday edition of the McShan Sports Beat Report.
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The KICK is GOOD! POINTS win ball games! Van Heusen 'Smack Talk' contest (60 seconds)by PembertonH560 views
definitely disappointing to hear as a bears fan. manning and hester won't have as many exciting returns, not to mention the bears have a great defensive special teams to begin with, so they don't gain much of an advantage by moving the kickoff up 5 yards. i do like the fact that they are reviewing all of the touchdowns, however
TheUpTownFan 11 months ago
@TheUpTownFan Personally, I didn’t have a problem with the old kicking rules and special teams is certainly one of the most commonly overlooked and important aspects of the game. Player’s safety is a key concern for sure but I also want to maintain competitive balance as well. As always thanks for watching and for your continued support it is much appreciated.
McShan8150 11 months ago
@McShan8150 In the future, just watch, after people score they're probably just going to get rid of point after kick. And a touch down will be worth 7..and instead of kick off happening period, they'll just start out on the twenty yard line.
AgrivatedKillah 5 months ago
@AgrivatedKillah The NFL has put a heavy emphasis on player safety and protecting their players. While I agree with the overall intention of protecting the players a big element which often swings games one way or another has been reduced. Kickoff returns can have a tremendous effect on the game. As the weather gets colder however, I believe kickoff returns will pick up again. Why? Because kickers won’t be able to kick it as far with the weather playing a larger factor.
McShan8150 5 months ago