Can someone explain this to me?

[Boyd94]

I was watching the Browns and Jaguars game. Cleveland kicked off and on the return they forced a fumble and recovered it. The official threw a flag and said the player was past the 50 yard line before the returner caught the kickoff. Is this a new rule? If so, why? Thanks.

 

[PushupMan]

Yes, the NFL has this weird new kickoff where the kicker stands alone at his 35 and the rest of his teammates on the kick coverage team start on the opponents 40. The 10 coverage players cannot move until the ball is caught or bounces. It’s supposed to reduce injuries and increase the number of returns.

 

[Boyd94]

Yes, the NFL has this weird new kickoff where the kicker stands alone at his 35 and the rest of his teammates on the kick coverage team start on the opponents 40. The 10 coverage players cannot move until the ball is caught or bounces. It’s supposed to reduce injuries and increase the number of returns.

Thanks. I was like what is going on. Cleveland had great field position after the fumble. I guess it would be considered a false start?

 

[trueblujr2]

Does the new NFL kickoff rule eliminate on-side kicks from the game?

 

[Glenn's take]

Does the new NFL kickoff rule eliminate on-side kicks from the game?

No but you have to declare it before you do it.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

No but you have to declare it before you do it.

I think it has to be in the 4th Q as well.
They are doing their best to ruin the game.
Hearing next yr skirts will be a thing.

 

[cats2010]

No but you have to declare it before you do it.

And you must be losing as well.

 

[bthaunert]

I enjoy the new system they have set up with one exception. Move the damn kicker back 5 yards to encourage more returns. If the reason you made the rule was to minimize injury from guys flying down the field, at least give the ability for more returns.

 

[Mike-McD]

I enjoy the new system they have set up with one exception. Move the damn kicker back 5 yards to encourage more returns. If the reason you made the rule was to minimize injury from guys flying down the field, at least give the ability for more returns.

The NFL is clearly gun shy about kick returns. They don’t want to be sued anymore. Might as well get it over with and just have the teams flip a coin to see who starts with the ball at the 25 yard line.

 

[vhcat70]

NFL KO's look like a video game.

 

[know1]

I understand why they are changing kickoffs because they've become so dangerous with the size and speed of the players. It's just not good to have guys racing 65 yards down the field at top speed to crash into each other.

However, what they've changed them to is ridiculous. Might as well stop doing them and start the ball on the 25 each time. But...I'm not sure what they should do if the kicking team wants to try and recover the equivalent of an onside kick. Maybe have a jump ball at midfield like a basketball game?

 

[know1]

NFL KO's look like a video game.

They look pointless to me. Why bother with them? (See my other post)