Kickoffs
Debuted in 2024, the “dynamic” kickoff is here to stay. Calling this kickoff “dynamic” has always been curious. It’s definitely different but dynamic is a stretch. Perhaps moving the ball spot on touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line will do the trick. That’s the new rule. Touchbacks will now be spotted on the 35-yard line. The league hopes that this move will boost the number of kickoff returns. Last season, about a third of the kickoffs were returned. The hope is that about three-quarters of kickoffs will be returned with a touchback brought to the 35-yard line.
Thoughts:
The “dynamic” kickoff, despite being far from dynamic, did grow on me last season. If this change boosts kickoff return rates, it’s a good thing.
Overtime
The league passed a proposal by the Philadelphia Eagles to align the postseason and regular season overtime rules. Both teams will now have an opportunity to possess the ball regardless the outcome of the first possession. However, unlike in the postseason, regular season overtime will remain 10 minutes rather than 15 minutes.
Thoughts:
This is good and bad. The league should’ve made the regular season overtime 15 minutes as well. The league has a peculiar need to hold firm on a little thing as a sign of their overall concern for player safety. The league’s decision-makers have no concern for player safety. They show that repeatedly. In a sad attempt to show that they do, the league holds back five minutes of overtime.
Expand Replay Assist
The league passed a proposal by the Competition Committee to expand instant replay’s ability to advise the on-field officials on specific, objective aspects of a play and/or to address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present. It does not correct missed penalties.
Thoughts:
This rule change falls far short in that it does not address clear and obvious missed penalties. A clear and obvious uncalled facemask of a quarterback can not be corrected by this expanded replay assist. A miss is a miss no matter how it’s missed. This rule only addresses half the misses. That’s a miss.
Allowing More Direct Tampering
The league passed a proposal by the Pittsburgh Steelers regarding contact with free agents during the “legal tampering” window. Clubs can now have one video or phone call with no more than five prospective unrestricted free agents. Clubs can also book travel upon agreeing to terms.
Thoughts:
What’s the point?
Injured Reserve
The league approved bylaw proposals to permit clubs to designate two players for return at the roster reduction to 53 players. Also permits clubs participating in the postseason to receive additional “designated for return” increasing the maximum from eight to 10.
Thoughts:
Sounds good.
K-Balls
The league approved resolution proposals to permit clubs to prepare kicking footballs (K-Balls) before gameday.
Thoughts:
If the game footballs can be prepared before the games, the kicking footballs should get the same.
First Down Measurements
The league will be shifting from the chain gang to cameras for the measurement of first downs. The chain gang will remain as backup.
Thoughts:
It’s about time.
Tush Push
The proposal by the Green Bay Packers to ban the “tush push” was tabled. The vote was split 16 to 16. It had to hit 24-8.
Thoughts:
In my opinion, this stupid play was banned in the early 1900s. It was never reinserted over the past 100+ years so it should still be banned. The offense gets so much assistance from the NFL rule book. An offensive player doesn’t need any added physical assistance from their teammates.
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