Miami Dolphins among teams to vote in favor of approved new kickoff rule
It appears as though NFL fans will be seeing a new kickoff rule in 2024, and the Miami Dolphins are among the teams to thank for that. The NFL approved on Tuesday morning a new kickoff rule that will significantly change the format and placement of both teams. The proposal passed by a vote of […]
It appears as though NFL fans will be seeing a new kickoff rule in 2024, and the Miami Dolphins are among the teams to thank for that.
The NFL approved on Tuesday morning a new kickoff rule that will significantly change the format and placement of both teams. The proposal passed by a vote of 29-3.
The three teams who reportedly voted against the proposal were the 49ers, the Raiders, and the Packers.
The new rule was borrowed from what the XFL has been doing. The ball will be kicked off from back at the 35-yard line. The other 10 men on the kickoff team will line up on the opponent's 40. The return team will have their blocks on their 35. Up to two returners will be between the goal line and the 20. Only the returners are allowed to move around. The coverage players and blockers are not allowed to move around until the ball is touched by the returners.
This is what it looks like in action:
The new rule will be particularly intriguing for the Dolphins. Kickoff returner Braxton Berrios was third in the NFL last year with 18 kickoff returns. However, Berrios averaged 24.5 yards per return, which is decent but unspectacular. Could a new rule reducing the speed of oncoming coverage players serve to create more space and opportunity for him, or will it lead to a more gummed up area with coverage players and blockers that's tough for returners to navigate?
And could this change lead to the Dolphins potentially consider using speedster De'Von Achane on kickoff returns now, given the risk of a dreadful collision being significantly reduced? Achane with a full head of steam with blockers out front is a tantalizing thought.
As such, there could be an opportunity there for the Dolphins to improve their kick return unit in 2024.
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