proposed kick-off rule change...

[Lurker64]

I don't think "is it exciting?" should really be the ultimate arbiter of decisions made by the NFL, "is it good for the game?" being a better one. Certainly, excitement is good for the game but the game would be plenty exciting if we took special teams out of it entirely, and the excitement from the rare big kickoff return is more than cancelled out by the all-too-common injury on a kickoff situation. Plus, it's not like the league passed a rule outlawing Devin Hester (unfortunately)... it's not like teams don't have to punt anymore.

[Kiwon]

I don't think "is it exciting?" should really be the ultimate arbiter of decisions made by the NFL, "is it good for the game?" being a better one. Certainly, excitement is good for the game but the game would be plenty exciting if we took special teams out of it entirely, and the excitement from the rare big kickoff return is more than cancelled out by the all-too-common injury on a kickoff situation. Plus, it's not like the league passed a rule outlawing Devin Hester (unfortunately)... it's not like teams don't have to punt anymore.

At the same time, think about how many games each season end in a walk-off FG or last minute FG that was set up by a good kick-off return.

[gbgary]

ya know...it might not affect returns much at all (kicking from the 35). since the coverage team has to line up inside the 30 they won't be going full speed when the ball is kicked. they won't be as far down field when the ball is caught...thus giving the returner a shot for a return even if it's caught pretty deep in the endzone.

[VegasPackFan]

What do you think this will do to how teams build their rosters? Will it have an effect on what type of extra bench players they keep? The requirements for making a team may not involve aspects of special team ability going forward.

[Lurker64]

What do you think this will do to how teams build their rosters? Will it have an effect on what type of extra bench players they keep? The requirements for making a team may not involve aspects of special team ability going forward.

I think any sort of change is going to take a couple of years to unfold. Teams aren't going to change their ways without knowing how the game goes with the new kickoff position.

I mean, late in the year in cold weather the ball doesn't travel as far anyway, so teams are still going to have to be able to cover a kick.

[MadScientist]

I think any sort of change is going to take a couple of years to unfold. Teams aren't going to change their ways without knowing how the game goes with the new kickoff position.

I mean, late in the year in cold weather the ball doesn't travel as far anyway, so teams are still going to have to be able to cover a kick.

There is still some strategy involved throughout the year. If you have good, fast cover units, you can try to kick a high hanger that goes to the 1-5 yard line and try to stop the receiving team before the 20. Kicking deep is good in general, but if you try to go for distance at the expense of hang time, you could set the other team up for a good return.

As for the 5 yard line up rule, just have the players start by running at an angle to build up speed before cutting straight up field as the ball is kicked.

[Lurker64]

There is still some strategy involved throughout the year. If you have good, fast cover units, you can try to kick a high hanger that goes to the 1-5 yard line and try to stop the receiving team before the 20. Kicking deep is good in general, but if you try to go for distance at the expense of hang time, you could set the other team up for a good return.

As for the 5 yard line up rule, just have the players start by running at an angle to build up speed before cutting straight up field as the ball is kicked.

Teams are certainly going to strategize to adapt to the new rule, but I don't think personnel philosophy is going to change immediately, at least not until a consensus emerges on how best to cover kicks with the new rules.

[MadScientist]

Teams are certainly going to strategize to adapt to the new rule, but I don't think personnel philosophy is going to change immediately, at least not until a consensus emerges on how best to cover kicks with the new rules.

I'm guessing the types of players needed in the cover unit will be pretty much the same. The only place where I could see a different choice on a roster spot made would be the returner, where a stud punt returner would have his value increased relative to a stud kick returner.

[Patler]

It's not like all kicks will be touchbacks now. Moving 5 yards isn't going to revolutionize the game.

[Pugger]

How in the hell are the bares gonna score...? Hehehehehe!

[3irty1]

It will be interesting to see what the effect is.

During 2010, Cundiff averaged 71.1 yards/KO. His average kick would have been 6 yards deep. If he does it next year, his average might be a touchback. However, the average return against him was 26 yards, so maybe a return even from deep in the endzone is worth the chance.

Gastkowski was second at 67.9. This average is less than 3 yards deep, and might be returned from there. His average return is 24.5, which would put the ball at the 21 and a half. Against him, return it if you can.

On the other hand, Gano averaged "just" 65.9 yards, which will be one yard deep. But on 61 returns the average was just 19 yards. On average, his kicks will be returned short of the 20 yard line. Take the touchback when you can against him.

14 kickers average 65 or more yards on kickoffs, meaning their average kick should reach the endzone, but by less than 2 yards for 12 of the 14. Of course, more kickers might now kick for distance to get the touchback.

A couple of onside kicks wreck these number pretty soon. I have a feeling that guys like Cundiff, Gastkowski, and even Crosby will be touchback machines. I don't know how Slocum could justify ever doing that stupid pop-up kick ever again.

[Patler]

A couple of onside kicks wreck these number pretty soon. I have a feeling that guys like Cundiff, Gastkowski, and even Crosby will be touchback machines. I don't know how Slocum could justify ever doing that stupid pop-up kick ever again.

Cundiff, Gastkowski and Gano had no onside kicks last year.