NFL Adapted A Rule From XFL Just To Spice Up The Kickoffs

According to a source acquainted with the decision, team owners adopted a new rule on Tuesday that will restore what had basically been “a dead play” to the game. This information was reported by The Associated Press. Since the league hasn’t made the announcement about the adjustment, the source talked to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

NFL Adapted A Rule From XFL Just To Spice Up The Kickoffs

The XFL’s kickoff regulations will be modified for use in the NFL starting in 2024 as part of a significant makeover of special teams that has been in the works for years. The regulation will be trialed for a single season before being up for renewal in 2025.

The club owners authorized a number of modifications that were taken directly from the primary rival’s rulebook in an effort to preserve the intensity of the match and protect the players’ health.

The kickoff will, in theory, always be taken from the team delivering the ball’s 35-yard line. The first difference is where the players will line up: the kicking team’s players, excluding the kicker, will line up at the opposing field’s 40-yard line.

Rich McKay, head of the NFL Competition Committee, stated on Monday that there was a pressing need to vote on this rule prior to the draft because it would affect how teams organize their rosters. Last season, there were 1,970 kickoff touchbacks that might now result in returns.

In the “set up zone,” which is the area between the 30 and 35-yard lines, the return team would have at least nine blocks lined up, with at least seven of those players touching the 35. Within the 20, there would be a maximum of two returners permitted.

Only the kicker and two returners would be allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or was touched by a returner inside the 20.

With the exception of the kicker and returners, no player may start moving before the ball is in the air or allow any free receptions. The 30-yard line will be used to indicate touchbacks.

The kicking team must to alert the officials if they want to execute an onside kick. Unexpected onside kicks are prohibited.

These modifications will bring the kickoff closer to what the XFL accomplished in its formative years. The league’s return rate was 90% at that point. In contrast, the return percentage over the past 15 NFL seasons was only 21.7%.

On kickoffs, fair receptions will also not be permitted. Additionally, kickers can utilize their kicking arm to hold the ball in position if the wind blows it off the tee. On the tee, a teammate would have held the ball in the past. However, there is no longer an option with the kicking team downfield.) Finally, should there be any penalties that extend into the kickoff, the setup and landing zones will remain unchanged. All that will alter is where the kick is positioned.

There is a regulation permitting onside kick attempts in the fourth quarter, despite the fact that this rule probably indicates the onside kick is dead. If a team is behind in the fourth quarter, they are permitted to try one, but they must declare their intentions prior to the play. The current onside kick rules apply from that point forward.

 

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