New proposed rule changes

[CanDB]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...e=HP_headlines

The NFL is reviewing among other things.......kickoffs, in a bid to minimize injuries. Here's some of the article:

At next week's owners meetings in New Orleans, the competition committee will propose moving the kickoff up to the 35-yard line, and bringing a touchback out to the 25. There would be no changes for touchbacks on any other plays, with the ball coming out to the 20.

No player other than the kicker would be allowed to line up more than 5 yards behind the ball, and the committee will suggest outlawing the wedge on kickoffs; all blocking wedges were reduced to two players in 2009.

"The injury rate on kickoffs remains a real concern for us and the players and the coaches' subcommittee," said Falcons president Rich McKay, the chairman of the competition committee. "This is a pretty major change."

~~~~~~

I understand the importance of reducing injuries, especially those of the concussion type, but can you imagine how few kickoffs would be returned in Denver, with that thin air?? As it is now, few kicks are returned in Mile High. That would definitely change the value of kick returners in general, and would bring down the stock of a Peterson type, to some degree.

I do get the problem, but this one may need to be adjusted, if it gets approval. It makes sense to bring the ball out to the 25, to make teams think about how deep to kick the ball, but if Hester's out there, that's a pretty easy decision.

[berlownacyo7s]

I hope they don't do this. Didn't college football recently move the kickoff spot back from the 35 to the 30 so that they would have less touchbacks? Kickoff returns are some of the most exciting and crucial parts of the game, and I hope the NFL doesn't mess that up.

[Southstander]

Safty concerns aside, this is a foolish idea.

[xX-Bronco-Xx]

It's only a safety concern if you have a 6'4 +220 lb first round pick wide receiver going after punt/kick returns.

[y2cragie]

Regardless of stadium, you might as well just send the kicker out on anything but onside kicks. I say there should be a change to the out of bounds rule. Say, if a kicker can kick it out of bounds between the goal line and the 5 yard line, no penalty will be assessed and the team will start at the 5.

[sethro109]

It's only a safety concern if you have a 6'4 +220 lb first round pick wide receiver going after punt/kick returns.

Off topic here, but when i scanned the bar code in you're avatar. It sent me to a jazz CD. "A Song for You by Irene & Her Latin Jazz Band".

[-Rod-]

I don't like it. The kickoff return is big part of the game when it comes to field position and there are players specialized in the art of returning kicks. If you want to really prevent injuries, just ban the game of football from the planet. It is a violent sport. And the NFL will bring more safety rules, more descriptions of defenseless players. The game will only get worse.

[Southstander]

If safty is the main concern, why not just elimate kickoffs all together and have teams start at the 25 yard line. After if all the only way to insure 100% safe kick return is not to have one. Better yet just start at the 50 yard line, half the field to travel means half the injuries.

[darklord]

I don't like it. I like the fact that they are showing that they want to help prevent injuries but this is football and special teams is a huge part of football that they are practically taking a part out now at least to an extent.

[dizzolve]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...e=HP_headlines

The NFL is reviewing among other things.......kickoffs, in a bid to minimize injuries. Here's some of the article:

At next week's owners meetings in New Orleans, the competition committee will propose moving the kickoff up to the 35-yard line, and bringing a touchback out to the 25. There would be no changes for touchbacks on any other plays, with the ball coming out to the 20.

No player other than the kicker would be allowed to line up more than 5 yards behind the ball, and the committee will suggest outlawing the wedge on kickoffs; all blocking wedges were reduced to two players in 2009.

"The injury rate on kickoffs remains a real concern for us and the players and the coaches' subcommittee," said Falcons president Rich McKay, the chairman of the competition committee. "This is a pretty major change."

~~~~~~

I understand the importance of reducing injuries, especially those of the concussion type, but can you imagine how few kickoffs would be returned in Denver, with that thin air?? As it is now, few kicks are returned in Mile High. That would definitely change the value of kick returners in general, and would bring down the stock of a Peterson type, to some degree.

I do get the problem, but this one may need to be adjusted, if it gets approval. It makes sense to bring the ball out to the 25, to make teams think about how deep to kick the ball, but if Hester's out there, that's a pretty easy decision.

Maybe if they made touchbacks come out to the 30 kickers would avoid kicking them

[PowderAddict]

Why bother with a kickoff then? Why not just place the ball on the 25?

[knoxman36and2]

NFFL....it's coming. When it finally does arrive I guess I will start watching soccer.

BY the way...just so no one things I was implying profanity of any kind.

NFFL = National Flag Football League.

[xX-Bronco-Xx]

Off topic here, but when i scanned the bar code in you're avatar. It sent me to a jazz CD. "A Song for You by Irene & Her Latin Jazz Band".

Google imaged bar code. Just used it for my design.

[Charlie Brown]

The rule is fine as is.

[Artamentous]

Safty concerns aside, this is a foolish idea.

Really? "Safety issues aside"? That is a pretty stupid thing to say. Safety issues should never be put aside.