New Kickoff Rule Impact on Saints

AsylumGuido · 03-28-2024, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by mjf150

Even though our ST coordinator had a hand in this, I still find it a little irritating that the NFL eliminated the surprise onside kick, which was the key to Saints one and only Super Bowl. If we didn’t have the element of surprise on our side, we (probably) don’t win that game. It was the turning point in SB XLIV.

I think we need to balance the gain against the loss. I heard there were only three "surprise" onside kicks last season, while with over 4,000 kickoffs less than 20% had a return. Yes, the new rule eliminates the "surprise" onside, but the team can still attempt one using the old configuration by informing the refs. What is gained is that the fair catch is eliminated and with the marking of the ball at the 30 on a kick into or through the end zone, returns will become the norm as opposed to the rare exception that they had become.

03-28-2024, 08:18 AM	#10
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,622	Re: New Kickoff Rule Impact on Saints Originally Posted by mjf150 Even though our ST coordinator had a hand in this, I still find it a little irritating that the NFL eliminated the surprise onside kick, which was the key to Saints one and only Super Bowl. If we didn’t have the element of surprise on our side, we (probably) don’t win that game. It was the turning point in SB XLIV. I think we need to balance the gain against the loss. I heard there were only three "surprise" onside kicks last season, while with over 4,000 kickoffs less than 20% had a return. Yes, the new rule eliminates the "surprise" onside, but the team can still attempt one using the old configuration by informing the refs. What is gained is that the fair catch is eliminated and with the marking of the ball at the 30 on a kick into or through the end zone, returns will become the norm as opposed to the rare exception that they had become. Rugby Saint II likes this.
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