In the realm of American football, the kickoff rule changes sparked controversy and uncertainty in the early stages of the season. After just two games, it seemed like the excitement of kick returns had faded, with teams playing it safe and opting for touchbacks. However, as the games progressed and a full week passed, the tide began to turn.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay took a conservative approach, choosing not to risk giving up a big return. In their recent game, the Rams kicked off six times, each resulting in a touchback and the Detroit Lions starting at their own 30-yard line. When asked about his decision, McVay explained, “I just think the unforeseen… there’s not as many layers in the coverage. There’s possible vertical seams. I think we felt like the confidence that we did have in our defense to put the ball on the 30. It was more about just a lot of the unforeseen consequences.”
McVay’s cautious strategy contrasts with other teams’ decisions to take a chance and try to pin their opponents deep in their territory. The Buffalo Bills, for instance, found themselves in a situation where they had a lead with less than nine minutes left in the game. Despite the risk, they chose to kick it deep, only for the Arizona Cardinals to return the kick for a touchdown, closing the gap to just three points.
The differing approaches to kickoffs reflect the uncertainty and strategic considerations that come into play in the game of football. While some coaches prefer to play it safe and avoid potential risks, others are willing to take the gamble in pursuit of a game-changing play. As McVay and his counterparts grapple with these decisions, one thing remains certain – the kickoff game is far from settled and will continue to evolve as the season progresses.