New Orleans Saints coach says they plan to use Alvin Kamara on kickoffs after recent NFL rule changes
The NFL has changed the game, literally, starting in 2024. The new kickoff rules may catch some fans by surprise when the season starts, but coaching staffs are already working extremely hard to plan how to attack special teams now. Saints ST coordinator Darren Rizzi says Alvin Kamara will have a role on kickoffs Kamara […]
The NFL has changed the game, literally, starting in 2024. The new kickoff rules may catch some fans by surprise when the season starts, but coaching staffs are already working extremely hard to plan how to attack special teams now.
Saints ST coordinator Darren Rizzi says Alvin Kamara will have a role on kickoffs
Kamara will be involved on some kickoffs, but fans can't expect him to be on the unit every time. Either way, it could be exciting to see him with the ball in his hands in space on returns here and there.
Rizzi gave a full rundown on the new kickoff rules
Rizzi is noting some caution in preparation for the new kickoffs. Everyone is in "wait and see" mode to see how teams attack the new rules.
"So it sounds great in theory, and I've heard a lot of coaches talk about maybe some alternative kicks, some line drives, because obviously the hang time is irrelevant. Got it. Maybe some knuckleball types of kicks, and listen, we're like everybody else, we've we've taken a look at all that stuff today. Again, it's going to be a risk reward, it might be a situational thing for me to sit here and think that someone's going to do that 100% of the time. I think that's a little bit aggressive, if you will."
Only time will tell how aggressive units are during games that matter. Meanwhile, the Saints ST coordinator says that the preseason will be really important for reasons like the new kickoffs. Those are live reps for everyone.
"These preseason games are going to be really fun to watch from a special team standpoint. Everybody, the fans, the coaches, the players, everybody's going to have their eyes on it, because it really is a first, you know, we could sit stand out here and simulate as much as we want to practice. But until we get to those games, we're not really going to get a full idea of what the whole play. There's been a lot of estimates and a lot of guesses and a lot of estimates on what it's going to look like including ourselves…"
All in all, no major assumptions can be made when it comes to kickoff return personnel right now. Some star players like Kamara or Chris Olave could make an appearance, but New Orleans must keep their health at the top of their focus.
Regardless, the Saints have one of the most dynamic return men in football with Rashid Shaheed. Expect Taysom Hill to play a role as well.
Saints showing interest in UFL star that can improve their offense in 2024
He could be a useful asset.
