The NFL’s new kickoff rules are set to have a significant impact on the league and teams like the Raiders. Raiders assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton II believes that this change will be monumental. He compares it to the introduction of the forward pass in football, emphasizing that there is no real precedent for this new kickoff rule.
Last season, only 22 percent of kickoffs in the NFL were returned. However, with the new rules, the league anticipates that number to increase to between 80 and 85 percent. This means there will be nearly 2,000 more meaningful plays next season. It also means that special teams coaches will have to put in extra work and be prepared for the unknown.
Teams have been experimenting with different strategies during the offseason to adapt to the new rules. Some are considering using safeties or linebackers as kickers to get more tacklers on the field. The emphasis on ball placement under the new rules also means that having an experienced kicker may be crucial.
The Raiders have been actively trying out various approaches to see what works best for them. Swinton highlights the challenges of teaching players new techniques without any previous examples to show them. The key is to remain open-minded and adaptable as the strategies evolve.
Return strategies are also being reconsidered. Teams are debating whether to use faster returners or larger runners, as well as deciding which blockers to put on the field. The complexity of these decisions adds another layer of challenge for coaches.
During Raiders’ practices, it became evident that there is potential for significant returns if returners can catch the ball in motion or field it off a bounce. A crucial change in the rules, where a ball kicked through the end zone would now be brought out to the 30-yard-line instead of the 35, could lead to interesting strategic decisions by teams.
Overall, the new kickoff rules are shaking things up in the NFL, and teams are still in the process of figuring out the best approaches to take. With so much uncertainty and room for innovation, the upcoming season promises to be full of surprises and excitement for fans.
