proposed kick-off rule change...

[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.