In a recent turn of events concerning the NFL’s kickoff rule changes for the upcoming 2024 season, Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, has expressed some reservations and proposed a potentially vital modification to the current rule.
The league had already implemented one adjustment to the kickoff rule, but Payton believes that there may be further alterations needed to address potential unintended consequences. He voiced his concerns about the possibility of returners excelling under the new kickoff formation, leading teams to resort to more touchbacks, which would defeat the purpose of the rule change.
Payton emphasized the potential negative impact of a resurgence in touchbacks, stating, “If the analytics tell me that the average drive start or average return is past the 30, well, what do you think is going to start happening? Touchbacks. We’re going to be right back to where we were, and that’s the last thing we want. We’ve got to pay attention to that.”
To combat this issue, Payton proposed a significant adjustment to the existing rule. He suggested that if the ball is kicked out of the end zone, the receiving team should be granted a touchback that extends to the 35-yard line, rather than the current touchback placement at the 30-yard line.
“I’m not going to be comfortable with saying, ‘Hey, kick a touchback and give them the ball at the 35,'” Payton stated firmly.
Interestingly, Payton revealed that his proposed rule change was initially part of the original rule proposal. The touchback for a kick out of the end zone was initially intended to be at the 35-yard line, but the NFL made a last-minute alteration to set it at the 30-yard line just before the owners were to vote on the rule in March.
“I feel like the 35 would give us what we initially did all this work for,” Payton expressed his preference for the revised placement.
Furthermore, Payton advocated for simplifying the current rule, suggesting a reduction from three types of touchback to two for greater clarity and efficiency.
“The other thing I think is significant is I don’t like the three different starting spots,” Payton explained. “If it’s outside the [landing zone], put it at the same spot. I think right now it’ll take a lot of fans a lot of time to figure out the three spots.”
As the NFL continues to navigate the implications of the new kickoff rule, Payton’s insights and proposed modifications may prompt further discussions and potential adjustments in the lead-up to the 2024 season.
