proposed kick-off rule change...

[gbgary]

kick-offs from the 35, touch-backs come out to the 25, no wedge formations. all this in the name of safety. crosby's leg strength may finally be a factor in games. devin hester won't be as much of a factor as he used to be. good on both counts.

[Lurker64]

I am 100% in favor of this rules change.

[MadScientist]

Best thing that could happen for the Packers lousy coverage unit and pedestrian return game. I can see Packer returners letting the ball bounce at the 5 and hoping it goes into the end zone because that would be better than they could do returning it.

One question, will the 25 yard line be for touchbacks on punts as well?

[Patler]

One question, will the 25 yard line be for touchbacks on punts as well?

The article I read said kickoffs only, and that all other touchbacks will come out to the 20.

[gbpackfan]

I hate this rule change. The game is GREAT the way it is. It seems like the NFL is now just changing things to change things every offseason.

[Tarlam!]

I hate this rule change. The game is GREAT the way it is. It seems like the NFL is now just changing things to change things every offseason.

Winner!

[packerbacker1234]

Why is a touch back being moved out 5 more yards? THey figure 5 less yards to gain = greater saftey? There is no fundamental reason. You move kikcoffs back 5 yards, then move the touch back out further, which just shortens the field and makes the chance of returns, one wou;d think, much greater BECAUSE of the way things work.

Also, wedges are practically already illegal. Can have more than what is it, 2 people in front of you blocking directly? That's hardly a wedge, as it takes three to create one. So... the wedge itself is already not allowed. The only real effect is shortening the field, which I don't think has a real benefit UNLESS it appears a majority of kickers kick it out of the back of the endzone.

[channtheman]

STUPID STUPID STUPID. Oh and pointless too.

[Lurker64]

Apparently overnight they ammended the rule to:
* Kickoffs from 35 yard line
* Touchbacks to 20 yard line
* 2-man wedges are acceptable
* Players on kickoff coverage must line up between the 30 and 35 yard line

And it was passed today, according to several sources on Twitter (Schefter, LaCanfora, etc.)

[MadScientist]

So the real difference is going to the 35, going back to the spot used from 1974 - 93. I can't see the player positioning making much of a difference, except perhaps on the on-side kick.

Any happen to know how many Packers were injured on kickoffs last year?

Given the Packers special teams (not to mention their injuries), I have to be in favor of this change.

[Guiness]

Why is a touch back being moved out 5 more yards? THey figure 5 less yards to gain = greater saftey? There is no fundamental reason. You move kikcoffs back 5 yards, then move the touch back out further, which just shortens the field and makes the chance of returns, one wou;d think, much greater BECAUSE of the way things work.

The reasoning behind moving the touchback out 5 yards is that teams are more likely to accept the touch back than attempt a return. Less returns = less injuries. And less action...

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Terrence Murphy: If only sooner.

[wist43]

Moving the kickoffs up to the 35... you might as well just place the ball at the 25.

I understand the injury concern with wedges, but moving the kickoff up will take away from the game.

[Lurker64]

Moving the kickoffs up to the 35... you might as well just place the ball at the 25.

I understand the injury concern with wedges, but moving the kickoff up will take away from the game.

The kickoff was at the 35 yardline until 1993... has that much really changed in the intervening 17 years that we can't even conceive of the way things used to be as acceptable?

[Fred's Slacks]

how can u not like this? instantly improves 2 of our biggest weaknesses: kick return and kick coverage. Now, how can slocum over complicate a scheme in order to turn this against us?