New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

LOL

New NFL Kickoff/Safety faircatch rule, basically eliminates the onside kick. All a receiving team need do is call a fair catch with the onside threat.... another nail in the coffin for the once phenomenal NFL..... :beatnik:

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

This league is becoming as soft as cotton.

See the Pro Bowl :rolleyes:.

We are starting to mimic Arena Football.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

The anti-SP rule, it appears.

Guess Malik Flowers will have to make it as a punt returner and WR.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

It appears someone has no clue what they are posting about. Under the new rule you can only call a fair catch if the ball is in flight inside the 25 yard line. You cannot call a fair catch if the ball touches the ground as in an onside or a squib kick. Those balls remain in play. It will not have any affect on the onside kick at all.

Good kickoff returners will still see the value in returning the ball. This will in no way eliminate all kickoff returns.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

I suppose Andy Reid doesn't know what the hell he's talking about either :rolleyes:

The league is becoming soft.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

By the way, I do not like the new rule, but to be truly critical it helps to actually know what the rule implies. While it will not eliminate kickoff returns, squib kicks, or onside kicks, it will make one of the most exciting plays in the game less frequent.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

I'm going to reserve judgement until the change is made. But I'm not wild about the idea.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

YYAAAAWWWWWNNNnnn :beatnik:

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

I'm hearing that teams are planning on letting their kick returners return the ball anyway and rarely use the fair catch. One of the primary reasons is if the fair catch is called for and the kick is not fielded cleanly on the fly (ie. muffed), it cannot be advanced, doesn't go to out to the 25, and is down at the point it was touched. That can be a field position killer.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

Man I wish I was a connected to the league leadership as you! I am envious. Are there any other league plans you can divulge to us?

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

No need to feel envious. It's called paying attention to all of the interviews and articles by special teams coaches, and others connected to the game, surrounding this issue since this rule change was announced. The information is all out there for anyone ambitious enough to seek it out. For the others here, and elsewhere, I graciously share what I find. Being retired and loving the NFL (and especially the Saints) as I do I understand I have more time on my hands than those of you slaving away at the old 9 to 5. You are most welcome!

:chug:

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

Fortunately, we have a good returner.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

And this is why our special team's coordinator, Darren Rizzi, has been quoted as saying that the Saints are not planning on using the fair catch option much at all. I heard another coach say that you may get stuck inside the 25 sometimes, but with a good returner you can get possession at the 40, 50, or even better enough times that it make up for it.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

Well, having watched several games through the first week of preseason with this new rule I haven't seen a single instance of the fair catch on the kickoff as defined by this new rule.

It appears to be much ado about nothing.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

Well, it looks like I didn't miss anything in week one. There were no uses of the new rule in any of the games.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

A crafty coach could take advantage of the new rule.

In fact it sort of happened last season in the Ravens vs Lions game: The Ravens got the ball back at their own 25-yard line with no timeouts. After failing on their first three plays, the Ravens converted a dramatic 4th-and-19 when Lamar Jackson hit Sammy Watkins for a 36-yard gain. The long play set the Ravens up at Detroit's 48-yard line, which set the stage for Justin Tucker's record setting, game winning 66 yard field goal.

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ :beatnk:

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

When you wake up from your nap come watch a Saints game with us. :p

Re: New NFL Kickoff Rule
 

The fact that they're playing well, especially Michael Thomas, probably makes him nauseous. :dead: