New Kickoff Rules

[Coogiguy03]

This new kickoff rule is a disaster. Notwithstanding the fact that Aubrey hasn't figured it out yet, it's turning the league into arena football. I bet the average starting field position is the 35 this year. A couple first downs and you are in four down territory. It's like we are playing on half the field. I'd rather just kill the kickoff and go back to starting at the 20.

That's the way they wanted it! More opportunity for kickoff returns

 

[Ironicalicon]

This new kickoff rule is a disaster. Notwithstanding the fact that Aubrey hasn't figured it out yet, it's turning the league into arena football. I bet the average starting field position is the 35 this year. A couple first downs and you are in four down territory. It's like we are playing on half the field. I'd rather just kill the kickoff and go back to starting at the 20.

Agreed. It even looks weird. And not the kind of weird that I see myself getting used to.

 

[Blue&Silver]

No, I don't like it

 

[Swanny]

This new kickoff rule is a disaster. Notwithstanding the fact that Aubrey hasn't figured it out yet, it's turning the league into arena football. I bet the average starting field position is the 35 this year. A couple first downs and you are in four down territory. It's like we are playing on half the field. I'd rather just kill the kickoff and go back to starting at the 20.

A disaster? Its exactly what the NFL wants. More points. More offense.

 

[ChuckA1]

It's currently a terrible rule change.

 

[ChuckA1]

A disaster? Its exactly what the NFL wants. More points. More offense.

Didn't think they wanted anything to resemble arena football.

 

[ChronicCowboy]

I think it’s dumb but not unfair or anything. Aubrey really needs to work on getting more air on his balls. Coverage teams matter more than ever, and so far, Dallas’ coverage has been subpar.

 

[KingCorcoran]

Yes, but it can work against you too. Your defense is immediately at a deficit, meaning much shorter field. It's not fair. Plus injuries are a bigger issue with these current rules.

They claim the change was to reduce the chance of injury while increasing the number of kick returns.

 

[ChuckA1]

They claim the change was to reduce the chance of injury while increasing the number of kick returns.

Not sure these two desires go together. If you have more returns, you up the chances of injury, right?

 

[thunderpimp91]

ChatGPT is suggesting the average returned kickoff in 2025 is generating a starting field position of 28.2 yards. Not sure if that includes all games through week 2 so far or not, but if accurate that’s not a bad number to be at and should give plenty of incentive to teams to not go for the touchback.

It’s not as nice of a visual, but As long as it’s creating more returns and reducing the number of head injuries it’s accomplishing the leagues goal.

 

[Flamma]

If the kicker kicks the ball 10 yards, or kicks it out of bounds, does the ball automatically go to the 40? Or does the receiving team have the option to make them kick it again?

 

[speedkilz88]

A disaster? Its exactly what the NFL wants. More points. More offense.

And less injuries.

 

[KingCorcoran]

Not sure these two desires go together. If you have more returns, you up the chances of injury, right?

Delaying taking off until the ball is caught and having them moved up so close reduces the ability to get to top speed. No fewer impact, just less severe. So far, just preseason and two games, it’s working as planned.

No fewer people are watching NFL football because of the rule anymore than fewer are watching because of the tush push. NFL feels pretty bulletproof in that regard.

 

[Jarv]

I think it’s dumb but not unfair or anything. Aubrey really needs to work on getting more air on his balls. Coverage teams matter more than ever, and so far, Dallas’ coverage has been subpar.

Maybe our punter should practice kickoffs with air under them i don't want Aubrey to mess up his rhythm.

 

[Kwyn]

For instance, get rid of touchbacks altogether and require a return and allow the defensive players to start covering as soon as the ball is kicked, not when it is caught.

What happens if it’s kicked through the end zone? A penalty?

Does a returner have to make an attempt in a kick 8 yards deep?

I’ve not seen many suggestions to ban touchdowns but it sounds like a disaster.

 

[ChuckA1]

Maybe our punter should practice kickoffs with air under them i don't want Aubrey to mess up his rhythm.

So, have Anger handle punts and kickoffs, and Aubrey just FG's and extra points. Sounds like a plan.

 

[Chasing6]

This new kickoff rule is a disaster. Notwithstanding the fact that Aubrey hasn't figured it out yet, it's turning the league into arena football. I bet the average starting field position is the 35 this year. A couple first downs and you are in four down territory. It's like we are playing on half the field. I'd rather just kill the kickoff and go back to starting at the 20.

Hate them. All of us should not turn the game on until after the opening kickoff.

Here is an Aubrey idea. If opening kick goes through the goal post 3 points. If you miss, it is goes to the 40.

 

[HeavyBarrel]

Meh...the NFL I grew up with and loved died years ago, they can do whatever, I will still watch and won't complain.

 

[Nav22]

The answer to me is simple...Move the Kickoff back to the 25 yard line and then have a player size limit which will prohibit the larger collisions that the safety gurus are worried about. Bring some fun and speed back into the game

Player size limit?

They're all big enough to run and hit...

 

[BrassCowboy]

I absolutely HATE it. I would much rather just have teams start at the 20 with no returns.
It is ridiculous that teams can easily start at the 40 every single kickoff return. You are almost in fg range already. Dumbest rule change and yes this includes all variations of the new kickoff system.