I saw them doing it a little Monday and my initial thought is I think a lot of them will end with tackles around the 25-30. Looks like it will be tough to get past the wall of defenders but could also result in some big plays because no one can move until it's caught so it's hard to layer the defense. Had a little bit of a red rover feel where you're running at a wall trying to break through.
Patriots kicker Chad Ryland, as well as returners Marcus Jones, and Jalen Reagor weigh in on the NFL's new kickoff rules.
www.boston.com
“I think it’s a challenge but it’s fun because it forces guys as kickers to be athletes and take that ball striking and body control into a factor,” Patriots kicker Chad Ryland said. “We’re trying to put the ball between the goal line and the 20 so it offers a lot more creativity. It’s going to be interesting for everyone across the league because all teams have quality athletes that can do it.”
Receiver Jalen Reagor, who is also active in the Patriots’ kick return game, said he believes the rules will work out in favor of returners.
“It’s just one line of defense now, so I feel like that’s bad for the kick off team and great for me,” said Reagor.
Hope it’s not the flagfest that it was last night. Still think we’re gonna see a lot of knee injuries out of this like ACL tears.
Hate that the onside kick has been nerfed by taking the surprise out of it. Payton’s onside kick in the Super Bowl changed the complexion of that game. Can’t do that anymore.
The NFL claims that in 2023 KO returns were the lowest in NFL history and that the new rules will promote more returns. While, at the same time making this part of the game safer. Really????
People are concerned about the Kicker being injured under the new rules. The KO team lines up at the 40 and the ball needs to land inside the 20. If the KO team and Returner collide @ the 30, that is still plenty of distance for the KO team to build momentum and blow up the Returner.