Andy Reid says bring on new NFL kickoff rules, odd as the alignments might look
Consider Andy Reid a “yes” vote when it comes to the NFL’s new kickoff rule.
Presumably, the proposed rule change has the Chiefs’ support, as well.
The kickoff proposal could be voted upon at the NFL’s annual league meetings this week in Orlando, Florida.
The new kickoff formation is intended to reduce concussions while infusing additional action into an aspect of the game that has grown stale over the years.
The XFL supplied a model in its 2020 and 2023 seasons. So what are these changes, exactly?
They’re going to look a little odd. The kicker would still plant a tee at the 35-yard line. But the other 10 members of the kickoff-coverage team would line up at the opponent’s 40.
The receiving team would have at least seven players in the “setup zone,” between the 30- and 35-yard lines. Three players could line up between the 20- and 30-yard lines.
The receiving team will have a maximum of two players in the “landing zone,” between the team’s goal line and 20-yard line.
The 10 kickoff-coverage players would not be allowed to move until either the ball hits the ground or a returner catches it in the air. The same restrictions would apply to any receiving-team players in the setup zone.
Kicks that miss the landing zone — short, long, left or right — will result in the receiving team getting the ball at its own 30-yard line. All kickoffs in the landing zone must be returned. No fair catches allowed.
If a team wants to attempt an onside kick, it will have to inform officials of its intent. That team would then be allowed to use the NFL’s traditional formation. No surprise onside kicks would be allowed.
Reid is all for the change.
“It’s going to be interesting and exciting if it passes,” he said. “I like the idea. I’m for it.”
The hybrid kickoff rule should eliminate high-speed collisions — the kickoff coverage and return teams will be lined up close to each other — and seemingly could also increase number of returns for touchdowns.
For a kickoff after a safety, the formations will stay the same, The only thing that will change will be where the kicker lines up. After a safety, the kicker will be required to kick off from his own 20.
If there are any penalties on the kickoff, the kicker will be the only one who moves. Everyone else will line up in the same spot.
Owners approved a handful of rules changes Monday, including banning the hip-drop tackle. It’s a tackling technique that often results in lower-body injuries.
Another change: Teams will get a third challenge if they get one of their first two challenges correct.
This story was originally published March 25, 2024 at 11:01 AM.