Dan Quinn explains how the Commanders are starting to figure out the NFL's biggest rule change
The Washington Commanders are already adapting to an entirely new coaching staff and front office for the upcoming season.But they also have to prepare for a massive rule change that the NFL put into effect this offseason, that being the new kickoff format. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was asked if he and the team […]
The Washington Commanders are already adapting to an entirely new coaching staff and front office for the upcoming season.
But they also have to prepare for a massive rule change that the NFL put into effect this offseason, that being the new kickoff format.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was asked if he and the team have a good grasp of the new kickoff rule, and he said the following.
"I'd say much stronger than months ago when it was first introduced. Landing zones, touchbacks, you know, what types of kicks, what types of returns. So the preseason will be big too. We have a couple of practices, so we'll get not only in the preseason games, but some practices. And what we've done here over the last couple of days, we just split the team into two groups. You were kickoff one day, the next day, you were a kickoff return. And just tested different ways and different things. So it was also nice to have the officials here, because where do they stand? How do they officiate it? So two part us to get reps, but I also wanted to provide an opportunity for the officials who are here. This is their first take. And you don't want anything first, to be in a game."
– Commanders HC Dan Quinn
I personally love the idea of switching players between the kickoff team and the kickoff return team. Getting players more accustomed to an entirely new kickoff system is something all 32 teams are tasked with this offseason. And allowing players to practice both in this fashion is an excellent way to go about it.
It'll be interesting to hear if other teams are deploying this practice philosophy specifically surrounding the kickoff. Quinn has been known to be a great leader of men, and how he's approaching the new kickoff rule is an example of why the Commanders chose to make them their head coach this offseason.
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