Bears HC Matt Eberflus says what Packers HC Matt LaFleur won't
The NFL recently approved a new measure that will drastically change the way teams strategize and approach kickoffs. It's caused quite a bit of controversy over the last couple of days and many are gladly giving their thoughts on the subject. Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was asked about it on Tuesday and he […]
The NFL recently approved a new measure that will drastically change the way teams strategize and approach kickoffs. It's caused quite a bit of controversy over the last couple of days and many are gladly giving their thoughts on the subject.
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was asked about it on Tuesday and he gave a straight-up, honest answer that made a ton of sense. He could easily be right, at the end of the day, too.
"Yeah, that's a great question. I think it'll change tactically, what teams are going to do, because the rule is in now," Eberflus told reporters Tuesday. "There's nothing you can do about it, but it will change. I think you'll get more squib kicks, I think you'll get more dropkicks, and more drive kicks -those types of things- and make guys return it. And I suspect you'll see more returns than less. That's just what I'm thinking right now. But we'll see what happens."
The rule change now enables teams to start at their own 25-yard-line if a kick returner calls fair catch during a kickoff. I'd almost be willing to bet money that Eberflus' thought process turns out to be correct. The NFL is all about figuring out how to get any kind of advantage, so I'm positive teams will use squibs or dropkicks to try and pin their opponent or force a return.
Eberflus' honesty and vulnerability was refreshing. Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur didn't take that approach, unfortunately.
"I don't know, I think time will tell," LaFleur told reporters. "I know it's been part of the college game. [We're] certainly always looking for ways to make our players more safe. And apparently the injury data suggests that this was a necessity. I don't really want to get into my personal thoughts on the rule, but you know, we'll adjust."
The NFL obviously doesn't care if coaches speak out because they didn't listen to the unanimous voices of special teams coaches opposing the rule change's proposal, but still, the rule isn't a necessity like LaFleur states and it's likely to backfire.
Getting on record opposing the idea could help sway the league to go against instilling the measure in 2024 or later years. If the plan backfires and it's a widely-rejected idea, why in the world would the NFL continue to push it?
Hopefully more coaches take the Eberflus path on this one.
