NFL’s kickoff rule change has teams scrambling to adapt with returns up 45%
A seemingly minor NFL rule change over the summer has had a big impact on the field after one week of play. Moving touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35 has meant a roughly 45% increase in kickoff returns compared to week one a year ago.
The “dynamic kickoff” formation was implemented in 2024 on a one-year trial basis to improve player safety and help produce more returns. It was successful on both counts. Concussions on kickoffs were down 43% from 2023, according to the NFL. There were also 332 more kickoff returns in 2024, which improved the return rate to 33% overall.
What did the league change this summer?
The league made the formation permanent this summer and added another boost. With touchbacks now starting at the 35-yard line, teams are discouraged from kicking the ball into the endzone. Why? Over the past five years, teams score touchdowns 14% more often with that 5-yard boost to their starting field position.
As such the return rate in week one shot up to just over 70%, a 45% increase from week one a year ago. There were no returns for touchdowns in week one but it’s likely just a matter of time before that happens. The Tennessee Titans came close Sunday against the Denver Broncos. A 71-yard return by rookie Chimere Dike set up a field goal.
“It’s a role that I really enjoy and I am thankful that (special teams) coach (Jim) Fassel and coach (Brian) Callahan had trust in me to put me back there,” Dike said. “I am going to try and prove it every week and take it one game at a time.”
How are teams adjusting?
More returns mean more adjustments by coaches and players. Especially for rookies coming from the college ranks, where the new formations are not used. Those younger players often play a big role on special teams. Seahawks special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh said during training camp that those players need a few weeks to get adjusted to the new rules and set up.
“It takes a while to realize what that norm is, if the ball is caught here, it’s going to end up here,” Harbaugh said. “This is where it’s going to affect the decisions I’m making as a blocker or as a cover guy. It’s a little abstract, but you’re just not used to it, so I think everyone is getting a feel for the timing, the angles and the spacing.”
A potential increase in injuries is something to watch should the kickoff return rate stay up between 60 or 70%. NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller told reporters at the league meetings in December that the injury rate on kickoffs had dropped to the point that it resembled the rate on plays from scrimmage.
The Eagles and Cowboys had a long stoppage in the season opener after linebacker and special teams ace Ben VanSumeren suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff. He will miss the season.
For now, it seems, there’s a real reason to have a top notch return man on the roster and to place more of an emphasis on coaching and playing better special teams.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
