Tag

Kickoff Returns

All articles tagged with #kickoff returns

Giants' Rookie Quarterback and Season Challenges Highlight Team's Transition
sports4 months ago

Giants' Rookie Quarterback and Season Challenges Highlight Team's Transition

The NFL season of 2025 is seeing teams like the Giants quickly starting rookie quarterbacks, with the Giants replacing Russell Wilson after a brief stint, while the Patriots have sold a significant stake in their franchise for $720 million. Additionally, NFL kickoff returns are making a comeback, becoming safer and more exciting, reversing a trend of decline.

New NFL Kickoff Rule May Sideline Chiefs' Butker, Boost Broncos' Secret Weapons
sports1 year ago

New NFL Kickoff Rule May Sideline Chiefs' Butker, Boost Broncos' Secret Weapons

The NFL's new kickoff return rule for the 2024 season is expected to significantly benefit the Denver Broncos, particularly wide receiver Jalen Virgil and cornerback Tremon Smith, who are both standout return specialists. This change could increase return opportunities and highlight their skills, potentially making them secret weapons for the team.

"NFL Kickoff Evolution: From Rule Changes to End of an Era"
sports1 year ago

"NFL Kickoff Evolution: From Rule Changes to End of an Era"

Super Bowl LVIII, the last NFL game before major kickoff rule changes, featured 13 touchbacks and 0 returns, marking the end of an era for kickoffs. The new rule aims to reduce injuries and incentivize returns by allowing the receiving team to take the ball at the 40 if it goes out of bounds or doesn't reach the 20-yard line, and at the 30 on a touchback. This signals a shift towards more kickoff returns in future NFL games.

"NFL's New Rules Impact Colts' Game Strategy"
sports1 year ago

"NFL's New Rules Impact Colts' Game Strategy"

The NFL has implemented two new rule changes, banning the hip-drop tackle due to safety concerns and introducing a hybrid kickoff rule to bring back kickoff returns while minimizing injury risks. The Colts' general manager, Chris Ballard, expressed support for the safety-focused changes, but some players were critical. The team may need to adjust its kick return strategy, considering the absence of key players and the impact of the new rules. Potential options include utilizing Ashton Dulin and exploring free agent Jamal Agnew, who has a strong track record in kick and punt returns.

Deebo Samuel's Impact as a Returner: Shanahan's Plan for the 49ers
sports2 years ago

Deebo Samuel's Impact as a Returner: Shanahan's Plan for the 49ers

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the possibility of keeping star player Deebo Samuel as the team's kickoff returner going forward. With the club's regular return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud sidelined with a rib injury, Samuel has stepped in and shown his ability in the return game. Shanahan emphasized that the decision to use Samuel in this role was not solely due to McCloud's absence but also a way to get the ball in the hands of a special player like Samuel. The coach indicated that Samuel will likely continue as the kickoff returner until McCloud's potential return in Week 17.

"The Disappearing Art: The Decline of Football's Most Thrilling Play in the NFL"
sports2 years ago

"The Disappearing Art: The Decline of Football's Most Thrilling Play in the NFL"

The NFL's latest rule change, which places the ball on the receiving team's 25-yard line if a kickoff returner calls for a fair catch anywhere behind that point, has resulted in a record-high touchback rate of 80.9% through three weeks of the season. The league's efforts to de-emphasize kickoff returns are aimed at reducing the number of high-speed collisions and concussions that occur during these plays. While some argue that eliminating kickoff returns would make the game safer, others believe it would damage the sport and devalue special teams. The NFL is exploring alternative options, such as the XFL's approach to kickoffs, to find a balance between player safety and maintaining the excitement of kickoff returns.

"Unveiling the NFL's Kickoff Rule Changes for the 2023 Season"
sports2 years ago

"Unveiling the NFL's Kickoff Rule Changes for the 2023 Season"

The NFL has implemented several rule changes for the 2023 season, including the revival of a limited "third quarterback" rule, an expansion of late-season flexible scheduling for Monday and Thursday night games, and an attempt to reduce kickoff returns by incentivizing fair catches. The league has also allowed the use of the number 0 on jerseys, altered the use of the helmet rule, and made failed fourth downs automatically reviewable. However, roughing the passer penalties remain non-reviewable despite controversy surrounding the rule.

Cowboys' KaVontae Turpin refuses to fair catch despite NFL rule change.
sports2 years ago

Cowboys' KaVontae Turpin refuses to fair catch despite NFL rule change.

The NFL will trial a new fair catch rule in 2023, allowing kick returners to signal for a fair catch anywhere inside the 25-yard line. However, Cowboys' KaVontae Turpin says he plans to take the ball out regardless of the new rules. Turpin, who was the 2022 Pro Bowl returner, is also looking to break in as a receiver for Dallas. He played just 5% of the team's offensive snaps last season and caught one of his two targets for nine yards.

NFL implements fair catch rule to reduce kickoff returns.
sports2 years ago

NFL implements fair catch rule to reduce kickoff returns.

The NFL has approved a new fair catch rule that will disincentivize teams from running back kicks. The new rule will put the ball in play at the receiving team’s 25-yard line if there is a fair catch on a free kick behind the receiving team’s 25-yard line. The change is aimed at player safety, but has been opposed by special teams coordinators and players who fear it may lead to the elimination of kickoffs from the game. The NFL's modeling predicts a drop in return rate from 38 to 31 percent.

NFL Implements New Fair Catch Rule for Kickoffs, Sparks Controversy Among Fans.
sports2 years ago

NFL Implements New Fair Catch Rule for Kickoffs, Sparks Controversy Among Fans.

The NFL has approved a new fair catch rule for a one-year trial run that will encourage returners to call for a fair catch, resulting in the same outcome as a touchback if caught inside the 25-yard line. The league hopes this will reduce contact on kickoffs. The rule is similar to college football's and may be scrapped if it doesn't meet the league's expectations. The decision was postponed due to pushback from special teams coaches and players, who worry it could lead to more squib kicks and violent hits.