As the NFL regular season kicks off on Thursday night, football fans across the country are gearing up for a revolutionary change to the kickoff formation. The big question on everyone’s minds is whether this new approach will have a significant impact on the outcome of the play.
According to the statistics from the 49 preseason games, it seems that teams are sticking to what they know best – kicking the ball out of the end zone for a touchback. Despite the change in the touchback point from the 25 to the 30-yard line, the numbers indicate that the safer bet is to simply boom it deep and line up on the 30.
The average starting field position for all preseason kickoffs was at the 28.8-yard line. For kicks that were actually returned, the average starting point was the 28. With these statistics in mind, teams will have to weigh the options of kicking it out of the end zone for a guaranteed spot at the 30-yard line versus the possibility of pinning the offense deeper or risking a long return.
Many teams may have been playing it safe during the preseason, but insiders suggest that some organizations have a trick up their sleeve. By strategically placing a line drive kick in the 20-yard landing zone, they hope to force return specialists to make a tough decision – take a knee and start at the 20 or attempt a return from the end zone for a chance at better field position.
In crucial moments during the game, teams may have to make calculated decisions on whether to go for the touchback or try to pin their opponents deep in their territory. A team trailing in the fourth quarter, for example, might opt to kick short in order to get better field position if they force a punt. On the other hand, a team holding a lead late in the game would likely prefer a premeditated touchback to keep the opponent far from their end zone.
Despite the preseason numbers pointing towards a familiar approach, there is still uncertainty about how much will actually change when the regular season begins. The consensus seems to be that the dynamic kickoff will not be drastically different from its predecessor, with the only noticeable distinction being that the offense will start 70 yards away from the end zone, as opposed to 75.
As we anticipate the start of the regular season, one thing is for certain – football fans will be watching closely to see how this new kickoff formation affects the game. Whether teams stick to the status quo or take advantage of strategic opportunities, only time will tell how this revolutionary change plays out on the field.
