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The NFL kickoff rule change allows for fair catches inside the designated 25-yard line to be ruled as touchbacks, with the ball being spotted at the 25.
The rule change was in response to an uptick in concussions on kickoffs over the last three seasons, with ten such instances happening in 2020, 14 in 2021 and 19 last season.
While the NFL kickoff rule is intended to aid in player safety, special teams coaches across the league were reportedly against this change.
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Kickers and special teams coaches hit back at NFL kickoff rule change
According to reports:
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"Special teams coaches on the Monday call unanimously felt that the rules change would do little to reduce traumas and could lead to unintentional consequences that would lead to more injuries on kickoffs, and the special teams players largely agreed with that assessment. And the group gathered data that's been shared with the league to back it up."
How teams counteract the new rule could increase physical hits and concussions instead of limiting them. It remains to be seen how things turn out, as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has recently paused the proposed rule change.
The 2023 Week One NFL Schedule
As we look forward to implementing the NFL kickoff rule, let's glance at the week one schedule of the upcoming NFL season.
- Detroit Lions at Kansas City | TNF
- Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
- Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
- Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots
- Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
- San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints
- Arizona Cardinals at Washington Commanders
- Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
- Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos
- Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
- Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
- Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants | SNF
- Buffalo Bills at New York Jets | MNF
