When the 2024 NFL season commences, it will present a significantly altered landscape. Earlier in the offseason, owners sanctioned a new kickoff rule for the upcoming campaign, introducing a formation where up to 19 players will line up against each other, positioned five yards apart.
In this arrangement, the kicking team will deploy 10 players at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, while the receiving team must have at least seven players with their foot on the 35-yard line. This rule change brings considerable intrigue regarding how teams will strategize their personnel deployment within this novel setup.
Although currently not actively involved on the sidelines, Bill Belichick offered his insights on how this rule modification could affect the composition of players on the field during kickoffs.
Belichick Discusses Changes in NFL Return Game Strategy
“There will be more emphasis on the size of players in the return game rather than speed,” remarked Belichick during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, as reported by Pro Football Talk. “You just need guys who can play at the point of attack, shed blocks, and defend their space because of the new alignment.
“So I think it will increase the size of the players that are on the field. And I do think that because everybody is spread across the field, if these returners if they hit a little bit of space, they’re gone.”
The receiving team now has the option to deploy two players as returners in the designated “landing zone.” With most of the action expected to unfold between the receiving team’s 40 and 35-yard line, there will be ample opportunity for returners to capitalize if they can locate a clear path.
Belichick’s Insights on NFL Kickoff Rule Change
This rule adjustment aims to inject significance back into kickoffs in the NFL, addressing the trend where “literally 90 percent of the kickoffs were going out of the end zone,” as highlighted by Belichick. The only drawback, according to Belichick, is the elimination of the element of surprise with onside kicks.
Despite Belichick’s renowned football acumen, it’s unfortunate that he did not secure another head coaching position following his departure from the Patriots this offseason. Given his expertise, he would likely be leading the charge in strategizing how to navigate the new kickoff rule.
Nevertheless, it remains intriguing to observe how other teams across the league will approach and seek to exploit this rule change through their on-field personnel choices.
