Are you tired of watching the ball sail over the head of a team kick returner? Are you tired of a return or start drive on a 25? Now, the NFL has enacted a rule change to fix it.
On Tuesday, the NFL owner voted to adopt a change in the rules to place the ball on the 35-yard line for a touchback. The automatic spot in front of the touchback under the “dynamic kickoff” rule was the 30-yard line.
Why does this need to lead to more returns? Well, in simple terms, most NFL coaches would think it's unacceptable to have other teams able to start at 35.
“In 2024, about a third of the kickoffs will be returned, and most will be in the end zone for touchbacks,” he said, “professional football talk.” It has been reported. “This year, the NFL predicts that around two-thirds of kickoff will be returned. The team has decided that it's not worth launching the ball in the end zone by providing better field positions for their opponents.”
In addition to leading to more returns, the new rules will turn kickoffs into more art. Premium is placed on the ball keeping the goal line short enough, but not so close that it is likely to bounce off due to the touchback.
In other words, the ball is not just before the goal line, but it must be far enough away enough that the receiving team must make it into the field so that it doesn't fall within the 10-yard line.