Posted on 09/13/2023 6:29:48 AM PDT by 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.
Ping!...................
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.
I was listening to the Bills game this past Monday and I kept hearing about a “12-man” lineup on offense, or something like that.
What is that? Something new?
Then why even bother? Just put the ball on the 25 yard-line.
The big game fifty years from now will be tag...
I suppose we could just give them tennis rackets and tennis balls.
Why even have a kick?
Just place the ball on the 20/25 yard line and be done with it...........
And go ahead and implement Jack Lambert’s idea and make quarterbacks wear dresses.
Now why didn’t I think of that. ;)
Why not make the players wear flags and eliminate tackles.
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
*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.*
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.
Teams could have an option to receive a kick or not. Would save time...........
That rule socks. Pinning a team back was a major strategy that led to exciting football.
Concussions ain’t about good intentions
It’s about their money
The game has sure lost its punch
Another rule I would implement, is to have an option to go for a 2-point conversion, but place the ball on the 10 yard-line.
If you convert, not only do you get the two points, you get the ball back, without having to do an onsides kick.
We'd have to amend our language. Instead of "kickoff" at 1pm, it would be something exciting and enticing like; ball placement at 1pm.
Why not just spot the ball on the 25 yard line then?
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