anty63 0 Posted August 12, 2011 Watching the Eagles game now. Every kickoff ended with a touchback. I don't like it! I don't know what's going on in the other games. Are you getting the same thing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cowboyz 2 Posted August 12, 2011 cowboys vs broncos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clemenceau 0 Posted August 12, 2011 New kickoff rules making it closer for the kicking team, expect mostly touchbacks all year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gepetto 988 Posted August 12, 2011 Yes, lots of touchbacks. I like it. 80 yards for a touchdown. Saves time too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vikings4ever 496 Posted August 12, 2011 Makes D/ST even less valuable. Absolutely no reason to take one before the last couple rounds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giraldi02 470 Posted August 12, 2011 Makes D/ST even less valuable. Absolutely no reason to take one before the last couple rounds. Here's a couple reasons. Very few drives of 80+ yards end in touchdowns. I believe Jaworski said about one in every twelve does. So defenses shouldn't be giving up as many points. Second, the possibility of a defensive touchdown increases with the opposing offense starting in the loud ends of stadiums. Or a three and out with an offensive penalty could mean a blocked punt is more likely. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patriotsfatboy1 1,432 Posted August 12, 2011 The NE/JAX game had fewer touchbacks than I thought. The JAX returners were taking it out even from 8 yards deep in the end zone. There are changes to the kicking team as well in that they have to stay 5 yards back and can't get a running start anymore. It is going to take a while to get used to things, but teams with a kicker who can boot it out of the end zone will be doing that every time. You have to wonder if designated kickoff guys might be more commonplace. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steelers2101 7 Posted August 12, 2011 My thoughts exactly. Teams with a kicker who can't kick it out of the end zone or get touchbacks consistently need to get themselves kickoff specialists. If they don't, they don't know what they are doing and will be at a severe disadvantage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giraldi02 470 Posted August 13, 2011 There are changes to the kicking team as well in that they have to stay 5 yards back and can't get a running start anymore. Really? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Runningriot1966 6 Posted August 13, 2011 Yeah I hate this rule, its going to take a lot of excitement from the game. I do think it was done to cut down in the injuries that happen when guys are flying around the field at top speed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RSersen 0 Posted August 13, 2011 At least before you had a chance of seeing something exciting on a kickoff. Now? It's going to be commercial, touchback through the uprights, another commercial. Terrible. Just terrible. Yeah I hate this rule, its going to take a lot of excitement from the game. I do think it was done to cut down in the injuries that happen when guys are flying around the field at top speed. That's definitely why it was done. Mort has reported that there were even serious talks of doing away with kickoffs altogether (I assume just letting teams start at the 20), but the owners knew it would be way too extreme. Seems like it's headed that way, though. That's just poor reasoning to me. It's saying 'we can't think of a way to make this part of the game safer', so they just throw their hands up and get rid of it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patriotsfatboy1 1,432 Posted August 13, 2011 Really? Really. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vikings4ever 496 Posted August 13, 2011 Really. I believe they can still get a running start, just that it's only 5 yards now instead of unlimited like it used to be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giraldi02 470 Posted August 13, 2011 I believe they can still get a running start, just that it's only 5 yards now instead of unlimited like it used to be. This is what I was read while watching the raiders preseason game. It makes roster evaluations much more difficult in my opinion. Many fringe players got their starts and opportunity from working special teams. Kickoff coverages are huge for the 53rd man on the roster. Now, you seemingly don't need that player quite as much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patriotsfatboy1 1,432 Posted August 13, 2011 I believe they can still get a running start, just that it's only 5 yards now instead of unlimited like it used to be. Sort of. They used to be 10 yards back and they could go a little sidewards. Now, they are from a stopped position on the 30. It really affects the ability of the kicking team to get up speed and cover, particularly on the outside. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vamosvaqueros 0 Posted August 13, 2011 I was thinking, maybe we'll see more surprise onside kicks. As bored and tired fans are of seeing touchbacks through the uprights, the receiving team may be equally bored. If you notice they aren't really paying attention and have become complacent, try the surprise onside kick. Also, you're now 5 yards further away from the endzone, so if you mess up the onside kick, the other team doesn't automatically start in field goal range. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
