The NFL voted to change the kickoff today, going to the XFL format. Hard to quickly explain, but here's a link to a video showing what it is: ((XFL KICKOFF LINK)) Essentially the kickoff is from the opposing 30, and both teams line up facing each other at the receiving 35/40 yard lines. Once the ball is caught, the teams can start tackling/blocking... and kickoffs must be returned
They did this for 2 reasons, to cut down on high speed impacts and boost return rates back up. The NFL did not like that fair catch rates have skyrocketed in the past 10 years.
My question is... will college football follow? I would say yes, as the regular kickoff in college would serve no purpose other than nostalgia. Returners in college would, IMO, rather practice what they will see in the NFL than keep the current way of doing it.
NFL owners pass new hybrid kickoff rule at Annual League Meeting
Kickoff scenarios:
- Kickoffs that hit the landing zone (between goal line and 20 yard line) must be returned.
- Kickoffs that hit the landing zone and then go into the end zone must be returned or downed by the receiving team. If downed, the receiving team would get the ball at its own 20-yard line.
- Kickoffs that go into the end zone and stay inbounds that are downed would give the receiving team the ball at their own 30-yard line. Kickoffs that go out of the back of the end zone (in the air or bounces) would also be a touchback at the receiving team's 30-yard line.
- Kickoffs short of the landing zone would be treated like a kickoff out of bounds, and the receiving team would get the ball at its own 40-yard line.
The legislation also will lead to a tweak in onside kicks, which can only occur in the fourth quarter and onward when a team trails. The kicking team must declare its intent to onside kick.
@roaminglion Sounds like they just opened up a whole bunch of Super Bowl betting lines.
LMAO... have ypu seen this skit? Your post reminded me of it for some reason. It's hilarious while also calling out the gambling industry. Ha!@roaminglion Sounds like they just opened up a whole bunch of Super Bowl betting lines.
@roaminglion lol No, SNL is way past my bedtime these days. They still have some good writers.
Speaking of loser bets, I stopped to grab my Mega tix on the way home from Lil' Suzie's!
