"The league was mostly pleased with the experimental kickoff put in place for 2024 that led to the rate of kickoff returns increasing from a record-low 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8% last season, while reducing the rate of injuries on what had been the game's most dangerous play. The rule made kickoffs more like scrimmage plays by placing the coverage players and blockers close together to eliminate the high-speed collisions that had contributed to so many injuries on the play."
"A new NFL season is set to begin with last year's experiment on the new kickoff becoming permanent with a new tweak and several other changes in rules and officiating. The league also will implement changes to the overtime rule for the regular season, expand replay assist, crack down on bad sportsmanship and use Hawk-Eye virtual measuring to replace the old-time chains to determine first downs."
The dynamic kickoff will be permanent and touchbacks on kicks that reach the end zone on the fly will now start at the 35-yard line to encourage more returns. The 2024 experiment raised kickoff return rates from 21.8% to 32.8% and reduced concussion rates by 43% by positioning coverage players and blockers closer to cut high-speed collisions. The league expects return rates of 60–70% with the touchback change. The regular season overtime rule will be altered, replay assist will be expanded, bad sportsmanship will be more strictly enforced, and Hawk-Eye virtual measuring will replace the traditional chains.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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