Football is back: New NFL kickoff rule sparks strategic innovations and uncertainty

The cliché that special teams are one-third of football has never felt more accurate. The NFL’s new Dynamic Kickoff Rule, introduced in the preseason, is sparking anticipation and strategy shifts. Special teams coordinators, like their offensive and defensive counterparts, are expected to keep their best plays under wraps until the games count.

Despite the new rules aiming to revitalize kickoffs and reduce injuries, some coaches are wary. “Nobody is going to show what they are actually going to run until it’s real,” a veteran special teams coach told The Post. “The first few weeks will be chaotic.”

The new rule, inspired by the XFL, is designed to make kickoffs more exciting while minimizing injury risks. Last season, a record-low 21.8% of kickoffs were returned, with all Super Bowl kickoffs resulting in touchbacks. The new format requires players to line up five yards apart and restricts movement until the ball is in play.

Special teams coaches are exploring various strategies, with Giants’ Michael Ghobrial creating over 50 return variations. The rule’s goal is to encourage more returns by altering field-position penalties for touchbacks.

The preseason showed a 70.5% return rate for kickoffs, indicating increased action, though returners’ skills are still crucial. Some coaches worry that the 30-yard line—rather than the originally proposed 35—may not sufficiently discourage touchbacks.

With the introduction of new tactics and potential loopholes, expect innovative plays and adjustments throughout the season. Teams are preparing for varied strategies, from unconventional kicks to creative personnel use. As the season progresses, coaches will continue to adapt and exploit the new rule’s nuances.