Orlando, Florida – The NFL is considering significant changes to its kickoff and onside kick rules in an effort to increase excitement and potentially reduce injury risks during games. Special teams coordinators have proposed a new kickoff rule that aims to enhance the frequency and success rates of onside kicks, thus increasing the chances of late comebacks in games.
Under the proposed rule, teams would only be permitted to attempt an onside kick when trailing in the fourth quarter. To implement this change, teams must declare their intention to try for an onside kick in advance. Additionally, the kickoff team may use an unbalanced formation, such as a 6×4 alignment, to improve the chances of recovering the kick.
The broader proposal also includes modifications to the setup zone, where both the kickoff and return teams would line up on the receiving team’s 40- and 35-yard lines, respectively. This setup aims to prevent players from leaving the designated area until the ball is either touched or reaches the target zone, which spans from the 20-yard line to the goal line.
In terms of touchbacks, if the ball is kicked into the end zone, the receiving team would start their possession at the 35-yard line. However, if the ball lands in the target zone and then rolls into the end zone, the receiving team’s possession would begin at the 20-yard line.
Despite these proposed changes, nothing is final yet as team owners must approve the modifications and finalize the language of the rule. Data shows that only 5.2 percent of onside kicks were successfully recovered during the last NFL season.
The league hopes that these alterations will not only make kickoffs more thrilling but also reduce the risk of injuries during games. These potential changes will likely be discussed at the upcoming annual league meetings in Orlando starting on Sunday, March 24.
In conclusion, the NFL is looking to revamp its rules surrounding kickoffs and onside kicks to inject more excitement into games while prioritizing player safety. With a focus on increasing the success rates of onside kicks and enhancing the strategic aspects of kickoffs, these proposed changes could reshape the dynamics of special teams play in the league.