Just when I thought the NFL couldn’t waste more time and ruin more of the game they go and do this. I’m actually baffled so many powerful, I’m assuming intelligent, people allow such dumb ideas to pass. I’m starting to wonder how much they really understand about football. These rules this year are completely idiotic and are essentially the first step of eliminating kickoffs completely. Below are the new rules for 2018 and a video illustration of them..
Following today’s vote at the @NFL Spring League Meetings, here’s everything you need to know about the new kickoff rules for the upcoming 2018 season. The rule will be reevaluated next offseason. pic.twitter.com/YubLyMBR4g
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) May 22, 2018
First off the No Running Start Rule is a good rule. It’s the only time in football they allow a player to run forward as the ball is hiked/kicked. This is not arena football so I completely support this new rule. Next up is the 5 Guys on Each Side of the Ball Rule. This is an excessive, useless rule. If you’re going to make a rule like this then make it an “at least” rule. The rule should be you have to have at least 4 players on one both sides of the ball. Don’t Just split it down the middle. Then you can combine that with the rule of 2 Outside the Numbers. So At least 4 on each side and 2 outside the numbers and 2 inside the numbers. Perfect. You open it up for good onside kicks to strong and weak side. You also allow some creativity for the special teams coach. I don’t see how this rule ultimately helps players safety.
The next rule is for the receiving team. 8 Players in the 15 Yard “Setup Sone” and only 3 Outside of it. What? I can’t even think about that without my head hurting. Who cares how many players the receiving team puts within 25 yards? If they back players up the kicking team can just onside kick it. I get that you’re worried about a running start but you don’t need to add this rule. This is going to lead to more injuries. Teams are going to pooch kick the ball and it’s going to be an all out collision and scramble for the ball. Teams do it now all the time when hands teams are playing up. Now you want them to be up all the time. Some teams may take the chance and pooch every time. If you were going to make a rule like this use the “only” approach. Only 4 players can be beyond the 35 yard line or something like that. Then it would coincide with the kicking team’s 4 on each side rule and kickoffs from the 35 rule. The receiving team may not block inside the 15 Yard “No Blocking Zone” This one I don’t get either. 10 yards might make sense because that’s the distance for recovering an onside kick but if we can’t let two players run from standing still to 10 yards at each other then we’re not playing football anymore. Just keep it simple. Receiving team must be be 10 yards off ball and neither team can contact within 5 yards of the kick. Again I don’t see how this new rule helps players safety. The last rule may help player safety but may be the hardest to call of the bunch. No Wedge Blocks? Don’t we already have the high/low rule when it comes to double team blocks? Now you’re saying two players can’t block the same player or in your words form a “wedge”? I’m confused. In my confusion I just imagine the Mighty Ducks never being able to form the Flying V….but back to football. I don’t understand how a referee is going to call this. The difference between a double team block and a wedge is just too similar. I didn’t even see the difference on the illustration in the video. This is one of those “keep it simple stupid” moments. The high/low block rule was a great addition and is called with incredible accuracy. Stick to that and maybe emphasize it more on kickoffs this year. Don’t add a rule that’s going to be tough to call. Especially on kickoffs when a penalty ruins the whole start to a drive. This rule shouldn’t of even made it to the table.
Look, I understand that all these rules are the NFL’s attempt at increasing player safety. I understand kickoffs are dangerous. I understand all the reasons behind these rules but most of these rules don’t make sense and don’t accomplish your goal anymore than the ones now. These rules are the precursor to getting rid of kickoffs all together. I feel bad for the players who use kickoffs to get time on the field. This years rule changes not only change the 2018 season but the future of football as a whole. Hopefully after a year they’ll revisit these awful rules and keep it simple stupid.
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