NFL coaches are among the folks who want a key element removed from the game of football.
Kickoffs have been part of football for as long as it’s been around and are responsible for some of the most exciting plays we see every season. However, some coaches want it gone completely.
According to ProFootballTalk, the coaches who want kickoffs eliminated would want to see the receiving team get the ball at the 25-yard line.
At the moment, only a handful of NFL coaches are believed to be against kickoffs, and a proposal from the league’s Competition Committee would require 24 votes to eliminate them from the game.
Why Some NFL Coaches Want Kickoffs Gone
The NFL coaches who are proponents for the removal of kickoffs are of the view that a large percentage of them result in touchbacks anyway. On another note, the play’s elimination would see fewer players getting injured.
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The kickoff has undergone major changes in recent times, from the area the ball is kicked from to where players can receive it, as well as where the touchback yardage is determined. All of the alterations have come about in an effort to make the game safer for players.
If the play ends up getting eliminated, punt returns are likely to come under scrutiny next. More injuries and penalties occur on such plays than on normal scrimmage plays, so they would probably fall in the crosshairs too.
Meanwhile, a proposal for fair catches to be eliminated has been submitted, with the potential new rule to make it so that kicking teams would be unable to move until the ball is caught or lands in a specified zone while returning teams can only have two returners.
A 15-yard penalty and automatic first down has also been proposed in a bid to outlaw the controversial hip-drop tackle.
Also Read: REPORT: NFL Close To Finalizing Massive Change To Kickoff Rule For 2024 Season
