As the NFL season approaches, many coaches are grappling with the decision of how to handle the new “dynamic” kickoff rule. Will they play it safe and kick the ball out of the end zone, conceding the 30-yard line to avoid the risk of long returns? Or will they take a chance and try to flip the field with a return?
For weeks now, speculation has been swirling about how teams will adapt to this new rule. Some argue that it’s better to consistently kick out of the end zone and give up the 30-yard line, rather than risk giving up a big return. After all, if the average starting field position after a return is already at the 28.5-yard line, why not make it the 30 and eliminate the possibility of a touchdown?
But there’s another angle to consider. By adopting a standard practice of always kicking out of the end zone, teams could potentially save valuable practice time that would have been spent on kickoff returns. As one source explained, “a strategy of always kicking off out of the end zone allows the team to avoid spending time practicing kickoff returns. Those reps can be used on something else.”
With all this speculation swirling, some are calling for a change to the touchback point, suggesting that moving it from the 30 to the 35-yard line could help avoid a repeat of the non-dynamic kickoff scenario.
In the midst of all this uncertainty, one thing is clear – the safest approach may be to consistently concede the 30-yard line. But perhaps the savviest coaches will find a way to keep their opponents on their toes by injecting some unpredictability into their kicking strategy. As one journalist puts it, “The smartest approach could be to weave unpredictability into the approach. Lull the opponent to sleep when it comes to banging it into the front row and then, without warning, pooch a kick to the 10.”
As we await the start of the season, all eyes will be on how teams choose to handle the new kickoff rule. Will we see a shift towards more conservative play, with teams consistently kicking out of the end zone? Or will we witness some bold coaching decisions that challenge the status quo? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – if the touchback point remains at the 30-yard line, we may not see as many kickoff returns as we’re used to.