The NFL has attempted to lower the amount of kickoffs by implementing significant rule modifications in an effort to lower concussions throughout the league. The issue is that it has all but removed one of football’s most thrilling plays at times.
Consequently, the NFL will reevaluate implementing the XFL kickoff rule, which significantly alters kickoff alignment. That’s based on a Washington Post report that was published on Friday.
Each team lines up 10 players five yards apart according to the XFL norm; the kicker and kickoff returner are the only players positioned differently. The kind of fast-moving, full-splash collisions that have made kickoffs one of the football plays most likely to cause head injuries are avoided by this configuration.
It also helps inspire more actual kickoff returns since the returners will have more room in front of them given the alignment of the other players on the field.
Given the positioning of the other players on the field, it also encourages more kickoff returns since the returners will have more space in front of them.
It was generally regarded as one of the more well-liked rule modifications that the most recent XFL iteration brought about.
The NFL has tried everything in recent years to increase the number of touchbacks, including moving kickoffs to the 25-yard line and allowing return teams to gain possession at the 25 by calling a fair catch in the field of play.
As a result, there have been fewer concussions linked to kickoffs. However, it has also significantly reduced the game’s content.
Adopting the XFL kickoff rule would be a significant step towards trying to bring the play back into importance while also addressing criticisms that the NFL is attempting to completely eradicate kickoffs.
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