The NFL’s latest kickoff rule has made its debut in the preseason and the results have been nothing short of fascinating. The league had hoped for more returns and they certainly got their wish, with a staggering 82% of kickoffs being returned during the 16 preseason games played this week. This is a significant increase from the previous season, where only 22% of kickoffs were returned.
With any new rule comes some unexpected situations, and one such moment occurred during the Chiefs-Jaguars game which left fans in awe. The anticipation was palpable as teams navigated the new kickoff regulations.
The AFC South stole the show with the most notable returns of the week, as Jacksonville’s Parker Washington blazed down the field with a remarkable 73-yard return against Kansas City. Titans’ Kearis Jackson and Colts’ Anthony Gould also made their mark with impressive returns of 63 and 49 yards, respectively.
The new rule stipulates that kickoffs must reach the designated landing zone between the receiving team’s goal line and 20-yard line. If a kick falls short, the receiving team is awarded a touchback at their own 40-yard line, providing valuable field position. This scenario unfolded three times over the weekend, including a memorable instance during the Giants-Lions game where a short kickoff led to possession being awarded to the Giants.
The rule enforcement ensures that teams adhere to the regulations, emphasizing the importance of precision and strategy in executing kickoffs. The kickoff rule has added an element of intrigue and excitement to the preseason, setting the stage for what promises to be an unpredictable and thrilling NFL season ahead.