NFL owners were busy this week, approving a series of rule changes that address player safety, overhaul the kickoff and expand the use of instant replay.While t
by JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football WriterFILE - The opening kickoff in a general stadium view during an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Jan. 13, 2024, in Houston. The NFL competition committee is proposing a rule to penalize so-called âhip-dropâ tackles and a radical change to kickoffs to add more returns without compromising safety.
The changes were made in hopes of limiting the high-speed collisions that made kickoffs so dangerous while incentivizing more returns after a sharp rise in touchbacks in recent years.The 10 kick coverage players will line up at the opposing 40, with five on each side of the field.The return team will have at least nine blockers lined up in the “set up zone” between the 30- and 35-yard line with at least seven of those players touching the 35. Up to two returners will be allowed inside the 20.
If a kick goes out of bounds before the end zone or doesn't reach the landing zone, the return team gets the ball at the 40. The changes were put in place because kickoffs were the most dangerous plays with the high-speed collisions contributing to concussions.
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