The NFL’s new kickoff rules have drawn much criticism since its announcement Tuesday − including from the reigning Super Bowl champions.
The new rule, which was voted on by league owners Tuesday, will implement a one-year trial where kick returners can call for a fair catch anywhere inside their team’s 25-yard-line and it will result in a touchback, with the ball placed at the 25-yard-line as opposed to the 20-yard-line.
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid voiced his displeasure about the rule change Wednesday.
“My thing is, where does it stop, right?” Reid said. “We’ll see how this goes. You don’t want to take too many pieces away and you’ll be playing flag football.”
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A major factor of the new kickoff rules is the NFL said its statistical models predict the return rate for kickoffs for the upcoming season will drop from 38% to 31%, and the rate of concussions on kickoffs will be reduced by 15%. Atlanta Falcons chief executive officer Rich McKay, who is chairman of the competition committee, said concussions occur more than twice as often on kickoffs as plays from scrimmage.
Despite the promises of more safety, kickers and special teams coaches across the league largely opposed to the rule change, and as a result, could increase the chance of more squib kicks.
Contributing: Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY
