Special teams have always been an exciting part of the game to me. They are unpredictable, fast, and hard-hitting plays that can change the momentum of the game instantly. In 2011 the NFL implemented a rule change that I believe has had a negative impact on the game. The new rule has moved kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. Because of this, there have been a record number of touchbacks (when a kickoff goes through the end zone or the kick returner catches it in the end zone and refuses to return it). Before this rule a good kicker could get the ball into the end zone and it was considered an accomplishment. Now a day almost all kicks go into the end zone and it’s more unusual for a kick returner to attempt a return.
It is sad to see such a fun part of the game start to slowly disappear. Fewer and fewer special teams plays are being played out. How incredible is it to see a kick returner go 100 yards for a touchdown?!? The crowd goes wild! The jukes, the spins, and the blazing speed of a returner are quite a spectacle. But this position is starting to die out with this new rule.
As always, the rules and regulations are meant to keep the players safe. I can appreciate that. I would hate to see anyone get hurt. I also realize that special teams plays can be the most dangerous. Players build up speed for 60 yards or so just to slam into another player. By making this rule change they are discouraging the number of returns, and the overall number of opportunities for injury.
But the NFL is an entertainment industry! I think special teams are underrated, but I truly believe that they can be the most interesting and exciting parts of the game. I hate to see such a great branch of the game start to fade.
Of course safety is always a priority, but some rules I support more than others. I think that there are enough rules as is to keep the players safe. For example, there are multiple hitting rules that specify safe technique, as well as the banning of the wedge/ wedge buster. Creating a rule that is purposefully limiting the number of special teams plays is hard for me to accept. To me, the NFL made the wrong choice on this one.
I’m going to disagree with you on this one. Kickoffs are easily the most dangerous plays in football. Injuries happen all the time and the number has gone down since this rule change. Returners like Devin Hester still get amazing returns and punt returns as well and there can be enormous shifts in momentum like in the Colts game yesterday when the Tennessee returner fumbled.
I have to disagree with you here. As much as I enjoy a great kickoff return, I think safety takes priority. I have seen a lot of players get injured on kickoff returns, and I am sure this rule lowers that number. On top of that, I am also a bit of a purist in the sense that I like to see games decided by offense and defense, not special teams. I think that provides an accurate measure of which team is better.
I really like your argument on this one. The days of the impact return man seem to be long gone in the NFL (you do not really see Devin Hester’s name much in the headlines anymore). It is a shame, though, because that is the type of player I always loved to watch. Return men were the lightest, fastest, most agile and fun-to-watch guys on the field. They could change a game in seconds or even set the tone in the beginning (there are few things more exciting than returning the opening kickoff). But, unfortunately, with the speed and strength of today’s players, the NFL deemed the kickoff to be unsafe. Although the league’s reasons are more than valid, they definitely hurt special teams across the game.