The NFL is exploring the future of the onside kick, especially after an unconventional decision by Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell to attempt one at a pivotal moment. The Lions were down by 10 points against the Buffalo Bills with just 12 minutes left in the game when Campbell opted for the risky play. This bold move backfired when Buffalo’s Mack Hollins successfully recovered the onside kick and returned it to the 5-yard line, allowing the Bills to score almost immediately on their way to a thrilling 48-42 victory in what some are calling a potential Super Bowl matchup.
Campbell’s decision reflects his reputation as a coach who embraces risk-taking. He is known for his willingness to go for it on fourth down under various circumstances, and the onside kick was a last-ditch effort as the Lions’ defense struggled to contain Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Detroit’s defense had allowed Buffalo to score five touchdowns, as well as a field goal and a missed attempt, during the game up until that point. “I thought we’d get that ball,” Campbell admitted, expressing regret over his choice. “I wish I hadn’t done it.”
Under new league rules, teams must announce their intention to attempt an onside kick and can only do so in the fourth quarter. This change has significantly reduced the element of surprise that once made onside kicks a more effective strategy. In fact, the rules overhaul has led to a significant decline in successful onside kicks since 2018 when running starts were banned. The recovery rate has dropped dramatically to just 7.3% this season, highlighting the struggle to recover these kicks effectively.
NFL executive Troy Vincent noted the need for the competition committee to consider revitalizing the onside kick, which he described as having become “a dead play.” Changes made to kickoff rules aimed at enhancing returns have inadvertently hurt the effectiveness of onside kicks. “I think everything has to be considered,” said Vincent. He pointed out that with the kickoff modifications made in recent years, the resulting dynamics have had a pronounced impact on onside kick attempts. He emphasized that teams should ideally be able to execute this tactic any time in the game, not just the fourth quarter.
One potential solution being discussed is offering teams the chance to maintain possession by running a single offensive play to achieve a required yardage. However, implementing changes to the formation of kickoffs presents challenges, making this suggestion a compelling yet complex option. The Philadelphia Eagles previously proposed an alternative that would allow a fourth-and-20 play from the 20-yard line, but this was voted down by club owners at the league’s spring meetings.
Vincent indicated that there has been some progress in discussions around this topic, noting an increase in support for these ideas compared to the past. “We need to be innovative, and I believe our coaches are capable of developing effective strategies that reintroduce excitement during these scenarios,” he stated.
As the Lions move forward, the health of their roster remains a major concern. Campbell’s early onside kick attempt was a reaction to a pressing issue: their defense was significantly weakened, losing key players like defensive tackle Alim McNeill and cornerback Carlton Davis III due to injuries that may sideline them for the rest of the season. Additionally, the Lions were already without standouts like edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, placing them in a challenging position.
“I’m not buying into the idea that injuries are to blame for our performance,” Campbell said. “We can be better. We should’ve been better. We understood the quality of our opponents; however, they exhibited more urgency than we did.” The Lions’ current predicament underlines the importance of having a healthy squad, especially after their 11-game winning streak came to an abrupt end.