nanomoz":nwwqo4p2 said:
Hate it. Hate, hate, hate it. Does the NFL really need more rules that make things easier on offenses?
I partially agree, but then again kickers have become so efficient at kicking it out of the end zone that I kind of like the new rule. I hope it makes them try to put the ball in play instead of making the kickoff as boring as the 19-yard XP.
In 2010 when they were kicking off from the 30, most teams were in single-digits on the season for kicking touchbacks, and only one team had more than 30 (the Bucs had 1 all year). In 2011 when they moved it to the 35, every team was in the double digits and the Saints had
68. The 2010 outlier total became the 2011 average. Last season, Cleveland was dead last with 27...which would have been good enough for third-best in 2010.
Hopefully the 5-yard bonus to the offense will give the kickers some more incentive to not just kick it out the back every time, but at least drop it in the front half of the end zone and let the returner consider bringing it out.