Why Rich Eisen Is a Fan of the NFL’s New Kickoff Rules | The Rich Eisen Show

Rich Eisen weighs in on the NFL’s new Kick Off rules adopted from the XFL.
Tune in to the Emmy-nominated Rich Eisen Show live for FREE on The Roku Channel at go.roku.com/thericheisenshow and also streaming on Audacy, Sirius channel 161 and XM channel 206 (Online channel 998) weekdays from 12--3 PM ET!
Showcasing insightful sports expertise with an offbeat mix of humor and pop culture, The Rich Eisen Show attracts the most recognizable names in sports and entertainment.
Subscribe here to keep up with the internet's best sports and pop culture commentary, interviews, and much more!
------ SUBSCRIBE HERE:
bit.ly/2VjWSBC
FOLLOW US HERE:
/ richeisenshow
/ richeisenshow
/ richeisenshow
/ thericheisenshow
www.audacy.com/richeisen/listen
#richeisenshow #nfl #kickoff

[@SenorJuan2023]

If the NFL is so concerned about player safety, why not STOP having Thursday Night Football games?

[@patron40silver]

💰💰💰💰💰 Player safety

[@bryanclark3151]

Congress needs to amend the "Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961". That would allow the NFL to move the Thursday night game to Saturday night.

[@SenorJuan2023]

@@bryanclark3151 What is that Act about? They just need to move it back to the regular Sunday format.

[@masterofallgoons]

They could also stop adding more games to the schedule... but of course that's not gonna happen

[@kreed4480]

wont happen as long as companies like amazon offer the NFL billions

[@SmurfRockRune]

I think an important thing to note is that this is pretty unanimously loved by the special teams coaches in the league, they're the ones who pitched this to begin with. This isn't random suits making up terrible rules like a lot of the tackling stuff.

[@tharengore7215]

Pat be calling for it for a few years along with Adam V.

[@davecisneros5285]

It's not when the ball crosses the 20, it's when the ball touches the returner or the ground in the red zone. They wouldn't ask guys 20 yards away to make judgment calls on the ball crossing an invisible plane.

[@josiahmccallister3150]

Not the red zone

[@eddypeacock4005]

How is the receiving teams blockers gonna know the returner has caught the ball when the dude is literally behind them and their back is turned to him?

[@seanguitarman5594]

@@eddypeacock4005 I'm guessing they'll be standing diagonally, like they do on normal returns, ...all angling in toward the center watching for the returner to snag the kickoff, Just my best guess

[@lgcsathletics7935]

Devin Hester returned 4 kickoffs for a TD in 2007. The entire NFL returned 4 kickoffs for TD’s in 2023. This rule will not only increase returns but also give more players a job on the team.

[@Physics072]

Lets hope so, Why not return to 2007 rules then? No need to reinvent the wheel, Hester was able to do it.

[@troll-fx2zc]

Hester is the greatest and most dynamic football player in nfl history.

[@Physics072]

@@troll-fx2zc That would be Barry Sanders sorry Hester.

[@lgcsathletics7935]

@@Physics072 because this new rule creates a safer environment while maintaining competitiveness.

[@Physics072]

@@lgcsathletics7935 If they wanted safe they would have changed the turf to grass years ago and first. This is non sense. If you want safe don't have football just play video games and even then you might suffer from a sore thumb.

[@avjake]

I think there should be a staging tree of lights like in drag racing that shows when the players can move.

[@captaindeluxe7328]

In reality, this seriously changes the dynamic of the game. Preparation, understanding the rule, practice. A brand new offensive weapon W/OL blocking schemes and specific personnel. Could be awesome.

[@Ullumma]

This literally has shaken up the draft!

[@Una2Cold]

Exactly and I don’t like it. What happens to the onside kick? You have to let the ref know ahead of time now and set up completely different so it’s blatantly obvious and we can’t have a surprise onside like the Super Bowl? This is beat af

[@KenKaniff-dw4jw]

​@Una2Cold I'm with you bro and not these NPCs in the comments. Just move the kick spit back where it was. They moved it up to stop kick off returns. Now they say they want more

[@justinlast2lastharder749]

​@@KenKaniff-dw4jw​​ yes...and just don't let them get a running start. That will do enough on it's own. Only have about 10 yards before meeting the first blockers and being slowed up. Eliminates the "gunners" but we still get something rational. But let them go when the ball is kicked like before.

[@blairmarshall544]

Rich is brilliant. I’m from UK getting into the NFL, he makes it easy to understand especially for the not clued up guys

[@BuckFieri]

Just keep in mind he works for the NFL

[@Shiny101]

Man you really need to watch someone else if you're just trying to get into the NFL. You have to see thru a lot of bs with Rich. He is the Joseph Goebbels of the NFL.

[@chippewaguy4193]

2:57 the NFL created that problem by moving up the kickoff spot years ago. This is a great example of “slippery slope”.

[@Ishai1]

IIRC,. they did that because they actually wanted fewer returns because of player safety and now they're trying to fix having fewer returns.

[@seanguitarman5594]

@@Ishai1 Exactly, we're all correct, lol... 😂

[@johnchedsey1306]

Dan Campbell said something to the effect that this new kickoff rule creates a lot of unknowns and he thinks that's very exciting. I'm with him. This is finally a rule change that is something to look forward to.

[@CorePathway]

If I’m the coach I’m kicking it out of the end zone

[@steveallen3434]

@@CorePathway I think if the kickoff team does that the receiving team gets the ball on the helf way line

[@scottgreen2042]

This will put some excitement back into the kickoff.

[@tharengore7215]

This! It is actually fun to watch from XFL. Also kickers need to be accurate with kicks.

[@supastar25]

I like it tbh...the kickoff actually brings opportunities now

[@Syst3m04]

Love this change, hate the “hip drop” rule

[@markroberts9577]

I need to see an example of this. I'm not understanding what is meant

[@Syst3m04]

@@markroberts9577 basically the rule is saying when a defender comes from behind and “unweights” themselves (their words not mine). And then swivels their hips around and lands on the runners legs, that’s a hip drop. The problem is in their own example film, they had at least 2 examples of perfectly normal tackles, so basically a subjective rule that is going to piss everyone off.

[@royalmason1539]

That was a truly amazing explanation. So many words and I have no idea what they just said, or what a kickoff is going to look like in 2024

[@rwmorey71]

I agree with Brockman. As much as I hate to remove the kickoff it has become a non play and now with having to basically tell the other team when you are going to do an onside kick just makes the whole thing dumb.

[@kylem6370]

@rwmorey71 it became a non play because they could waive fair catch and take the touchback anywhere.. only 22% were retuned last year, now you’re going to see it increase to 90%+ returns, only way they won’t return it is if the kicker messes up. With Essentially everyone 20 yards from the returner and within 5 yards of each other it’s going to be a “break the line and you’re gone” type of return. I think it’ll make for a lot more big returns and more Special teams TD’s and less injuries than compared to when guys were getting 40 yard head starts to get full speed and run into each other

[@okgotit4103]

Nah kickers need jobs too

[@CodyH88]

We'll see how it goes first. Personally I would rather just see a kickoff to start the game, another after halftime and that's it, with 2000s rules. Everything else can start at the 20 or 25 yard line and let's go. Onside kick just needs to total makeover or be banned if a change isn't made.

[@josiahmccallister3150]

Brain dead take

[@brigitred]

How are they not going to get constantly flagged jumping before the ball is caught?

[@Mike__B]

I know really, sure you can use the reasonable answer of having refs watching line of sight from where the ball is to kickoff return team, but these are the same refs that are directly behind the defense looking at the center, with a 4-6 foot tall playclock all in the same line of sight and they can't see the clock go to zero before the ball is snapped.

[@happyface3937]

I would say they will learn in training camp ;) , just like the offensive and defensive line doesn’t move until the ball is snapped. Yes you will definitely get flags, just as lineman do now.

[@dannyquilter8366]

The XFL players didn't get caught, so I'd assume NFL players will be just fine.

[@proteuswest1084]

My understanding is that the new kickoff rules aren't that different from a common special teams drill that NFL teams run in practice, and that the special teams coaches were pushing for this rule change. This definitely sounds like a situation where a line judge is going to drop his hand signaling when the blocking and coverage teams can move.

[@atlasking6110]

That's what I'm sayin'.

[@ryanevans371]

The "too soon?" was savage

[@eleiaandsteven]

How is this not a field wide Oklahoma drill?😅

[@kennywhitaker827]

Love it!

[@Clara_linking]

Returns up, injuries down. Great rule change.

[@SunniMerlot]

Just ban the kickoff this is stupid to anyone watching football for decades

[@neokidsly]

@@SunniMerlotwhy?

[@dougsholly9323]

@@SunniMerlot Yeah. I mean, running backs are constantly getting injured too, so they should ban the run play also.

[@craigcanning5836]

there is zero evidence that A. returns will increased and B. zero evidence that injuries will be reduced from this. utterly silly and unfounded assumption on your part

[@bbry323]

@@craigcanning5836 can’t be evidence before it happens… but I think it’s reasonable that interacting at lower speeds will be less force and likely less injury

[@kurtwicklund8901]

I expect to see kickers learn to kick hard low line-drive knuckleballs just over the lines. The ball will bounce away fast and unpredictably. It either goes in the endzone or the receiver has to handle it cleanly.

[@seanguitarman5594]

I'd like to see this, I also wonder about blocking limitations, ie. overloading, etc...

[@jazzfusion8111]

In a somewhat related footnote: Hester is mulling over coming out of retirement……

[@michaelsweat9044]

Sounds ridiculous. Just eliminate the kick off altogether and have the receiving team get the ball on the 20-25 yard line.

[@Harpoon2theRescue]

Stick to your video games.

[@michaelsweat9044]

@@Harpoon2theRescue I don't play video games kid. I've been a football fan since 1975.

[@Harpoon2theRescue]

@@michaelsweat9044

[@holycroc20]

Yup. I watched someone else's take on this shortly after it was announced and had to agree with him wholeheartedly, it's gonna be wildly BORING. Just redundantly repetitive and uninteresting. I watched all the XFL clips he showed and yeah it sounds intriguing but ain't gonna work. They'll drop it after this season

[@awesomeprestigedad6238]

So what's the wrinkle for possible on-side kicks? How do the teams line-up?

[@catherinewilliams9680]

I miss the day of long hang times for kicks. When the analysts used to take out a stop watch and time how long the ball would stay in the air.

[@Xander101]

I'm a relatively new fan from the UK (following since 2021), but this seems like a great rule. If anything, it'll be interesting to see how the best minds of the game approach this new aspect of the game. What are the strategies that receiving teams are going to use to punch holes open? What techniques can counter that? Are any crazy play designs going to materialise?

[@nkyryry]

Sounds more fun that’s for sure.

[@SirPhilosopher]

I’m thinking about the rules change part on the onside kick and wondering if we could actually see more onside kicks

[@condorenvy]

Good explanation and I think I might like the new rule. Hate the tackling rule, though. So many flags coming!

[@scohen88]

What happens if it’s windy and someone needs to hold the ball on the tee?

[@patron40silver]

They'll either ban wind or allow one of those ball holding things kickers use on the sidelines.

[@Fiasco962]

Straight to jail.

[@oubrioko]

All stadiums must be domes, or the home team forfeits

[@1Scath]

This happened last year in the XFL, and a ref came in to hold after the ball fell off the tee a couple times. I'd rather they have a different tee option though.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I think a ref will hold it, iirc

[@rykerising1409]

It's actually pretty simple. Just have the refs blow the whistle the moment the receiver catches the ball or it hits the ground. This way, everyone is alerted without someone having to look back the whole time.

[@TheJaker5]

THIS will be super interesting to see how it works.

[@eddie341]

Glad someone explained it, doesn’t sound bad at all to me. More kickoffs should be returned ☝️

[@jeffreyhutchins6527]

Why does it make a difference now, especially since tackling has been banned from the game ?

[@chippaflix]

dirty tackling that hurt people has been banned. not tackling. you must be a casual.

[@oubrioko]

Backs and Receivers now practicing the *3rd Down Hip **_Flop_*

[@proteuswest1084]

Someone drank the Kool-Aid.

[@martintimmer8574]

@@chippaflixDirty tackling? Yeah,right. The qbs have a hit zone smaller then a strike zone in baseball,offense gets freebies on every play,but the defenders can’t tackle. This game develops into the NBA,zero defense,and a lot of whiners at the qb position,doing the LeFlop.

[@tomwest5107]

people keep saying this without looking at what the NFL stated about hip-drop tackles. after reviewing thousands of hours of games they estimated hip drop tackles happen about once per game but have an injury rated 20x higher than a normal tackle. if you think the sky is falling over removing a tackle that only happens once per game idk what to tell you.

[@proteuswest1084]

I like these rules a lot. Honestly, just looking at the comments section and seeing what fans are talking about as possible strategies on coverage and for kicks should show that this will be an actual live play that emphasizes skill of kickers, strategies on coverage, and may encourage teams to utilize great athletes as returners again instead of protecting them because it's dangerous. T.J. and Brockman seem like they don't enjoy fun in their football games to have this take.

[@SunniMerlot]

This isn’t football

[@connorstephan7038]

How is this going to impact onside kick?

[@ChordtoChord]

Surely the NFL has tested this out, hundred of times. Strategies will probably evolve on this. Some on the kicking team may fall back in case the receiver breaks through.

[@CaresforAll]

There will be no need for speedy special teams players and the receiving team will mostly be blocking so the team makeup may considerably change to a whole bunch of offensive lineman and linebackers.

[@mikejones2845]

How's the onside kick rules change ?

[@Badger5280]

Im on the fence on this one. Have to wait and see.

[@darylbernard2616]

This will add so much strategy to the kickoff, depending on the situation in the game. Have a slight lead, late in the game, with a strong defense? Kick it through the end zone, let the opposition start on the 30. Playing against a strong return team with a blazing returner? Maybe you drop some of your cover guys back as soon as the ball is touched to create a zone coverage. Receiving teams will develop all manner of blocking schemes to create gaps. This will be fun, give it a chance.

[@Ullumma]

It's safer, but it ends the suprise onside kick and the Gunner position. 😢

[@toddbradford4700]

How is an onside kick going to work now?

[@czars694]

What about onside kicks?

[@blakeharris58]

Start the video over and listen.

[@pytube777]

Only allowed in the 4th qtr and can only do it twice per team.

[@steetv1240]

What about the onside kick?

[@jimmyispromo]

i like this rule. it makes it to where the kicker needs to have skill and precision. Just like going into the up-rights or from QB to Receiver, need to be accurate now

[@Swoleduck]

i love this

[@allanpeck8523]

What about onside kicks? Should give kicking team points if the kick goes through the uprights.

[@shotpenguin]

The nfl who is so concerned about player health and safety that they are considering lengthening the season but won't give the teams another bye and cling to Thursday night football for money made this rule change because they care. Trust them.

[@austintaylor1378]

Special teams just changed forever in the nfl it’s crazy awesome I think

[@tedborenstein8459]

RIP onside kicks/ surprise onside kicks

[@JAvellino669]

Love the change! Kickoffs where one of the best parts of the XFL, rivaled only by their replacement of the onside kick with a 4th-down play in their own end as an option while down late in games. I'd also be open to their shootout-style OT rules.

[@andrewachal]

I love it!

[@DD-sr9xm]

It will definitely make the beginning of the season interesting as teams figure it out. A few smart teams coordinators are going to scheme out some clever plays. Unfortunately it’s too easy for the kicking team to just kick it through the back of the end zone and concede the ball at the 30 against the more clever return teams. That will probably have to go to the 35 to encourage returns.

[@15jimmyicious]

Leave the game alone

[@KenAdams426]

why wouldnt the rule apply in pre season games?

[@bleachedbrother]

I'm 57 and I like this rule change. I still have questions, but I can see it in my mind how it will look and I like it. What they have now doesn't work. When the kicked ball enters the 20 yard target zone, can players move once it crosses the plane at the 20 yard line or when it bounces on the turf inside the 20?

[@KellDogg1965]

How about the onside kick?

[@ryankrause4880]

It's going to be fun. You'll see.

[@scruffd0g193]

We’ll see. This all depends if their are more kickoff returns.

[@treebark99]

Could a team do a reverse on-side kick? Meaning tell everyone you'll on-side kick, both teams line up for an on-side kick, then the kicking team kicks it deep, over the opposing team's players and the kicking team dashes to recover the ball deep. Would that be within the rules?

[@dr.awkward9075]

No, you must now declare all onside kicks & you have to attempt said onside kick.

[@treebark99]

sure, but what if you "accidentally" kick it 40 yards? @@dr.awkward9075

[@BuddhaMelffyQueen]

Anyone complaining about what will be a MASSIVE improvement to kickoffs forgets a time when Kickoff returns could 1. Actually happen 2. Actually be fun. I don't remember the last time I seen an electrifying kick off return. Probably a Percy Harvin return that's how long ago it was.

[@justinlast2lastharder749]

...these rule changes suck, even worse than the last ones. They made them irrelevant then over corrected to make them too exploitable for the return team. Just because the previous rule changes suck, it doesn't mean these are good.

[@abdultaylor6571]

These 2 new rule changes are stupid.

[@BuckFieri]

There are more than 2 new rules

[@captainspartan04]

@@BuckFieritalking about the main ones between this and the hip drop tackle

[@troll-fx2zc]

I hate it too. The kickoff was the best thing in football. I'm not watching the NFL any longer

[@Ryan-bn3qk]

Yay more rules, penalties and official reviews. Lots of special teams folks are about to lose their jobs.

[@oldschoolrocker57]

The NFL knows we watch to see the refs.

[@proteuswest1084]

Special teams folks will matter more than they do now, so not sure how that equates to job loss.

[@Ryan-bn3qk]

@@proteuswest1084 Different skill set is necessary.

[@account_suspended]

The return team also have two lines and two returners. The kickoff team is still straight across the line minus the kicker.

[@wcbrennan]

If the kickoff departs the field of play via the sidelines or the back of the endzone, the ball comes out to the 30-yard line; this incentivizes having an accurate kicker. If the ball is fielded in the endzone and the returner takes a knee, the ball comes out to the 10-yard line. This would incentivize the returner departing the endzone and attempting to advance the ball to the 10-yard line or beyond.

[@djmetcalf3815]

There will 100% be a kick return TD week 1. I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens opening night.

[@jerraddennis2225]

MULTIPLE. i think more games than not opening week will have returns for Touchdowns. because the way i see it in my mind, Tyreek Hill will swiss cheese this play easily.

[@col68p]

Can one or two players on the kicking team, run back to help the kicker if the runner gets through the defence?

[@keith6706]

Once the rest of the players can move (the ball is touched or hits the ground), they can do whatever they want. The entire kicking team can turn around and run back to the 50 if they want to. I would expect, with a fast returner, that some teams will have guys hang back just for that possibility.

[@markkettner9246]

Get a kicker that can kick a ball that's fairly low and skip it into the end zone without the returner being able to return it . Then it would be at the 20 . Not sure if a kicker can do that but if he can that's a good plan for the kicking team

[@xtrachrisb488]

Go back to a 16 game season. Give them 2 byes. Get rid of Thursday games. Get rid of the kickoffs/ onsides kick and substitute with the 4th and 20 option / punt as ive heard described in other videos

[@Adam13Chalmers]

Can the kicker blast a low squib kick, and the pursuit knows they have to let the ball bounce past them to the receiving team? I assume the protection has to allow the ball through, and can't move until it reaches the 20yrd line. It will be interesting to see what creative coaches try and develop to gain advantages.

[@proteuswest1084]

By my understanding, the ball has to land in the red zone on the fly. If it hits the ground outside the 20, then the ball comes back out to the 40, similar to what would happen if you kicked it out of bounds. So a traditional squib won't work, but if you're talking about trying to low line drive it between 50 and 70 yards so it goes into the end zone, then that could be a strategy. That seems like it would be difficult to pull off consistently, and if you mess it up, you're giving them prime field position.

[@Adam13Chalmers]

@@proteuswest1084 Interesting. I was thinking traditional squib. I agree that a low line drive, in the air, would be tough to get right.

[@richardkolenda298]

The head ref will signal to the teams when either the returner has touched the ball or when the ball has touched the ground. Also, this will make kickoffs worthy of watching, and will undoubtedly make for a new sub-bracket of betting for Draft Kings. I like it a lot!

[@madnessontheisland]

This rule just made the kickoff the most important play of the game. All your returner needs to do is break one tackle and he's gone. This whole thing might look silly by November with how many TDs there are.

[@pytube777]

Niners are planning to have Deebo and McCaffrey for returns 😂

[@Ullumma]

I think we will potentially see very new formation ideas.

[@connorberglund7032]

Without seeing either in practice yet, like the kickoff rule change hate the tackling one.

[@tharengore7215]

Tackling one is going to cause issues I feel.

[@connorberglund7032]

@@tharengore7215 Hopefully not. Best case scenario it ends up being like a face mask call where it happens on accident sometimes.

[@lukiedadukieable]

This mandates an announced onside kick. NFL needs to make onsides more achievable again

[@bbanzai444]

what if they catch it and take the touch back? do they get it at the 20 or 30? or 25 still?

[@MikeXCSkier]

If the kick lands in the endzone it comes out to the 30. There would be no need to even have anyone line up in the endzone. If they catch it on the 1 they need to start running hard.

[@unlimitedpower978]

I think 2 changes we're gonna see is that they might bring the coverage team back 5 yards to give the blockers more time to set up. Or you'll see teams have a couple coverage guys jogging it out at first to hang back as a last line of defense. Or both.

[@teame4e]

Two end guys on each side read the play and if it goes away from them they look over to be the last line of defense? But then the receiving team can put speedy guys on their end to loop behind for a reverse.

[@tharengore7215]

Watch XFL as it's ther kickoff rules. You don't drop as it creats holes and they always get ball between 30 to 40 yard line at min. Some put speed with power to try and run past blockers...ie a OL guy in open field is not stopping a DB from running past. But tends to be a mix on both kick and return teams.

[@narutoqweavatar]

This kind of sounds like kicking rules in Rugby a little bit

[@anthonystroud8615]

What about onside kicks

[@masterp2269]

I can't wait to hear the 49ers players after week 1...."There's a new kickoff rule???" 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@chrismacola9945]

They will be saying they didn't know the new rule come playoff time

[@shotpenguin]

You dont want to pop it in the air. You want to line drive the ball so hit hits and rolls unpredictably.

[@jshumphress13]

Special teams coaches are about to earn their paycheck this summer.

[@a.j.bartley8449]

I know people are upset, but i think this will be OK with a few tweeks. I think lateral movement should be allowed. I think a minimum of 4 to 5 men should be able to move laterally. I think this would allow for more strategy. I also think it should be 10 yards instead of 5 yard separation.

[@brianmassey6187]

The reason to take the over is just the sheer number of kickoffs that are likely to be fielded rather than resulting in touchbacks.

[@joeanderson444]

The simple fact that a kick returner can fumble a football or get tackled back at the 10-15-yard line is a surefire reason not to eliminate the kickoff and put the ball on the 30! This will help teams in a way that has a mediocre defense against good offenses a bit!

[@rolandconnor575]

What about the on side kick?

[@wildforthecats661]

It will be like normal. New rule is that kicker must tell the referee that he is going to do an onsides kick.

[@pkway9394]

I’m glad we got a few years of Hester before these changes

[@Charles-xm1ml]

It’s a win since teams starting field positions will vary.

[@GuessJess]

8:50 Great idea, on the Chiefs that dude is Justin Reid! 😃 He’s a starter, but he can kick AND play defense.

[@polumathes9729]

They are just determined to end this sports existence aren’t they?

[@ADeep007]

NFL could have saved the kickoff by going back to 1970’s kickoff rules.

[@Field_Marshall]

Exactly 👍

[@OBWanLasTrueDon]

I love it

[@craigpridemore7566]

Well, at least they figured out how to get us to watch preseason. We'll have to, to understand the kickoff by week 1.

[@Ishai1]

The one part I like is "punishing" kicks that land in the endzone. I think that change alone would've been good. Kick it out of the back of the endzone? they start at the 40 just like any out of bounds kick. Kick it into the endzone (without bouncing before) it's at the 30. A ball that bounces out, isn't penalized. The receiver could've caught that. A catchable ball anywhere else and that's where the ball will be spotted if it's a fair catch. Get rid of that fair catch nonsense they did last year. No need to move players up or anything. That would force kickers to keep the ball in play. It will add a strategy element if the other team has a good returner that already burned you, and you might be ok with the ball being at the 30 or even the 40

[@SirPhilosopher]

that kids suggestion has been mine for a few years. Let them kickers go for points on a kickoff!

[@bsum7707]

Holding calls are going to be called on the regular. Which will stop play and make the games that much longer. I don't hate the new set up I just feel like they should have tested this in preseason before it was made official.

[@PatienceTalley]

Not sure.The full exploit of the rules.But I would believe that on kick off.2 guys would fall back or at least one guy would fall back towards the kicker, just in case. The guy on the receiving team breaks through

[@arkadious9320]

I have to agree with Rich I like it because I hate what the kickoff became. Incentivizing the return team to actually return the ball is going to make for some exciting plays. The new onsides kick rule going back to the old rule for onsides kicks is great as well.. so what you have to declare it now.. for the most part in the past they knew it was coming if it was needed anyways

[@laitheisenmann6094]

South Park -Sarcastaball. How far are we from this now? Hip drop tackles too? Many more acl injuries to come now.

[@tomwest5107]

the NFL stated after reviewing thousands of hours of games they estimated hip-drop tackles happen about once per game but the injury rate is 20x higher than a normal attack. i think people are over-estimating the significance of removing this tackle.

[@TheKidwonda]

@@tomwest5107Yeah people don’t realize it doesn’t happen that often BUT when it does the injury rate is much higher.

[@thamsanqam9]

So no more surprise onside kicks ? Also is it still a live ball ?

[@oubrioko]

No more surprise onsides _...period_

[@keith6706]

Live ball, so if someone on the kicking team gets through because a receiver is letting it bounce around, you could see a turnover in the receiving team's red zone.

[@needmorecowbell6895]

If I'm a kicker, I'm hitting a one iron landing around the five yard line in the corner. It either scoots into the end zone, it's fielded near the boundary, or it goes out of bounds. Regardless, you only have to defend half of the field.

[@keith6706]

If the ball lands in the endzone, or goes through it, receiving team starts at the 30. If the ball goes out of bounds, as your corner kick is likely to do, they get it at the 40. If it lands in the zone and rolls/bounces into the endzone, they start at the 20. There's going to be a demand for precision kickers. It will also likely create varying defensive strategies; if the other team has a good returner, do you have some of your guys drop back for defense in depth assuming he's likely to get by that battle around the 35-40? Special teams guys can make things a lot more interesting.

[@needmorecowbell6895]

@@keith6706 If you think the returner is going to get to around the 35 or 40, I'm kicking it through the end zone every time. Have the ball on the 30. The only time I'm not kicking the ball through the end zone is if the average return is about the 25.

[@billpowley5882]

With the hip drop tackle rule there will again be more injuries. Smh...

[@RoyaltonDrummer922]

It sounds confusing when you read it out but it looks fine when you watch it in action