Accordingly, all players except the kicker and up to two receivers of the defending team start within a five-yard zone and are only allowed to move once the ball has been caught or in the newly created landing zone (from the end zone to the 20-yard line ) touched the ground. If a ball comes down in the landing zone, the possibility of a “fair catch” is eliminated.
The league is hoping that the changes will result in more returns after only 22 percent of kick-offs were returned last season. The measures are also intended to reduce the speed at which the kick and return teams meet each other, thereby reducing the number of injuries.
During a touchback, i.e. when the ball goes through the air into or through the end zone, the attacking team then starts on its own 30-yard line instead of the previous 25-yard line. If the kick lands in the landing zone and goes from there into the end zone, the ball is placed on the 20-yard line. In the future, the onside kick may only be carried out in the fourth quarter and by the team behind. In addition, the previously often used surprise tool for quickly winning the ball must now be announced to the referees.
2024-03-26 15:45:30
#protection #action #Kickoff #revolution #NFL
