New NFL Rule Causes Record-Low Kick Returns

Daily Caller ^ | September 12, 2023 6:11 PM ET | ANDREW POWELL

[Red Badger]

The NFL is getting exactly what they want.

League rule-makers perfectly executed their plans in Week 1 of the 2023 campaign, recording a historically low kickoff return rate of 20.5% — exactly what the NFL was looking for in a rule change aimed at encouraging teams to kick un-returnable balls.

In a single week of games, the return rate was the lowest it’s ever been since at least 2000, according to ESPN Stats and Information. This data wasn’t recorded prior to that year; however, the four-letter network also noted the 20.5% tally was the lowest in NFL history based on frequency of returns in prior eras. The Week 1 touchback rate was 77.6% — the highest since 2000 and also likely a league record.

Owners approved a one-year experimental rule back in May that spots the ball at the 25-yard line regardless of whether or not kickoff returners called for a fair catch while being inside the 25. The rule drastically decreased the advantage of “pop-up” kicks that are short of the goal line, which grew in popularity as a strategy to pin teams near their goal line. However, the strategy caused an increase of returns the last two years, causing a rise in concussions, NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay told NFL Network.

Less concussions for the league to deal with, so I can’t blame ’em for the move. Carry on, NFL.

[Red Badger]

[dfwgator]

I like seeing the receivers moving towards the line of scrimmage before the snap.

Don’t like the 3 downs part, though, for me that’s the biggest drawback of CFL football, too many punts.

[wardamneagle]

Then why even bother? Just put the ball on the 25 yard-line.

Agree.....players union wokeness

[DouglasKC]

the touchback on kickoffs is the most boring play in pro football. my solution? make it legal to kick a field goal on the kickoff

Yes but you have to state your intention and if you miss the other team is first and 10 in the red zone.

[Red Badger]

That seems to be the consensus, and it would save time, but they would just add more commercials......................

[dfwgator]

If it was that good we’d be watching it down here. They need to change their rules to ours. That way they can be the minor league feeder the NFL needs. College football is too corrupt. Let the teenagers make a living.

But the players would have to learn to speak Canadian.

[dfwgator]

Hah, incorporate “Psyche Outs” just like BASEketball.

“How to speak San Franciscan......”

[wardamneagle]

Then why even bother? Just put the ball on the 25 yard-line.

Agree.....players union wokeness

[Tommy Revolts]

Didn’t think about that. It’s already hard enough to watch a game.

[LouAvul]

Less concussions for the league to deal with..

I stopped watching foolsball when they went free agency. But, if concussions are the issue, when will they be going to no contact boxing?

[Pardeeville Liberator]

Make the Damn Game Watch Able by Silencing the Commentators. Monday Nights Game Was All about the Mannings and Not the Game.

[Pearls Before Swine]

That’s the one thing Canadian football gets right. A touchback is worth one point, so you either return the kick, or concede a point.

IIRC, they have a slightly longer and wider playing field. That might make a difference in returnability, too.

[outofsalt]

"The big game fifty years from now will be tag..."

Flag tag (with a silent L?)

[Red Badger]

We turn the sound off...............

[Alberta's Child]

Here’s my idea that would address several related issues:

1. The extra point after a touchdown is a “live” play with the clock running (an exception can be made for TDs that are scored with no time on the clock).

2. With the exception of the kicker, no substitution is allowed on the extra point (i.e., the team that scores the TD must keep the same offensive players on the field for the extra point).

3. Instead of having a kickoff, the placement of the ball for the “receiving” team is based entirely on the result of the extra point attempt: (1) the ball is placed on the 20 yard line if the kick is successful or if it fails (or if a 2-point conversion is successful); (2) if the kick is blocked, the ball is placed wherever it ends up as a result of the play; or (3) the ball is placed wherever it ends up if it’s an unsuccessful 2-point conversion attempt.

[TornadoAlley3]

Why kick off at all? Just start with ball at 25. Eventually turn it to flag football no contact.

[Red Badger]

The NFL is trying to get Flag Football into the OLYMPICS...............

[Jumper]

Meanwhile the College game is changed too. Teams can now hold the ball, running out the clock on every possession - the low scores in some games now reflect this reality. Some teams with no chance to win are holding the big boys to 8 - 9 possessions per game vice the average of 12-13 last year and before. We now get 40.5 minutes more of commercials and less game - the college game is now about the money in so many ways.

[Red Badger]

I don’t watch a lot of college FB, what do you mean by ‘Hold the ball’? Just let the play clock run out and take a 5 yard penalty?............

[Hatteras]

"Just place the ball on the 20/25 yard line and be done with it..........."

The are keeping kick offs for the opportunity to have late-game drama via on-side kicks where the receiving team hopes the ball gets to them before the 4 or 5 250lb missles aimed at their chests.

Or maybe they can just keep adding more padding to the head....